Automatic path selection for fiber-optic transmission networks

A system for automatically selecting a transmission path in a TDM communications network to optimize bandwidth availability, said system comprising:

• an interface unit for inputting a given set of service parameters;
• and
• a processor for identifying a type of service request from said service parameters;
• said processor operable to determine a maximally utilized time slot having capacity to transmit said service request, to determine an unoccupied time slot having an optimum number of contiguous unoccupied time slots wherein said optimum number maximizes an assignable remainder of said unoccupied timeslots when said maximally utilized time slot is unavailable, to assign said maximally utilized time slot to said service request when said maximally utilized time slot is available and to assign said unoccupied time slot to said service request when said maximally utilized time slot is unavailable so as to provide said transmission path.

A method for automatically selecting in response to a type of service request, a transmission path in a communications network to optimize bandwidth utilization, the communications network including numbered sets of time slots, comprising the steps of:

• determining availability of a time slot having accommodation for said type of service request;
• assigning using a two-fold slot selection process said time slot to said service request to provide a transmission pathway, said assigning step including the steps of:
• selecting a least numbered unoccupied time slot in response to a T1 and T3 service request;
• and
• picking a highest numbered set of three contiguous unoccupied time slots in response to an STS-3c service request.