Method and apparatus for optical path validation in an optical network

A method in an optical channel originator external to an optical network comprising the steps of:

• sending the optical channel traffic parameters associated with an optical channel originating at the optical channel originator to a border node of the optical network;
• receiving from the border node an optical channel availability message indicating the availability at the optical network border node of an optical path within the optical network for the optical channel with which the optical channel traffic parameters are associated;
• and
• determining an available optical channel status of the optical channel from the received optical channel availability message for the optical channel.

A border node of an optical network coupled to an external optical channel originator and arranged to receive at least one optical channel from the external optical channel originator, comprising:

• a parameter receiving element, coupled to the external optical channel originator for receiving optical channel traffic parameters associated with the optical channel;
• and
• an optical path determining element, for determining, using the received optical channel traffic parameters, the suitability of at least one optical path within the optical network for an externally originating optical channel;
• and
• a channel status messaging element coupled to the external optical channel originator and operable to send to the optical channel originator an optical channel availability message indicating the availability at the border node of an optical path within the optical network for the optical channel in response to a positive determination of a suitable optical path.

A router comprising:

• a communication element operatively coupled to a border node of an optical network, the communication element being arranged to send optical channel traffic parameters relating to an optical channel to the border network node;
• and
• an optical channel store for storing optical channel records;
• and
• an availability receiver coupled to the border network node and arranged to receive there-from an optical channel availability message indicating the availability at the optical network border node of an optical path within the optical network for the optical channel with which the optical channel traffic parameters are associated;
• and operable to determine an available optical channel status of the optical channel from the received optical channel availability message, and to update the optical channel record for the optical channel in response to the received optical channel availability information.