Service and application layer optimization using variable rate optical transmission

A variable link control system, comprising:

• a media access control element;
• a reconciliation sub-layer coupled to the media access control element;
• a framing element coupled to the media access control element;
• a packet buffer coupled to the media access control element;
• and
• a variable rate optical modem coupled to the framing element;
• wherein the variable link control system is configured to:
• map data from a packet source to the variable rate optical modem by using one or more variable rate transmission techniques to configure different channels with different qualities of service;
• and
• provide awareness of capabilities of the different channels to an application layer through a feedback loop.

A variable link control apparatus for application layer control of an optical transmission system, the variable link control apparatus comprising:

• a media access control element;
• a reconciliation sub-layer coupled to the media access control element;
• a framing element coupled to the media access control element;
• a packet buffer coupled to the media access control element;
• and
• application layer management means for mapping data from a packet source to a physical transmission system with a variable rate, wherein the application layer management means imparts application level awareness of capabilities of the transmission system through a feedback loop from a physical layer to the packet source.