Patent ID: 6785436
Filing Date: 2004-08-31
Classification: H04Q

Abstract:
In a combined optical data-electrical data switch fabric system, a method of more fully utilizing the available data flow capacity of optical paths through the optical switch fabric, that comprises, flowing photonic data packets along a predetermined optical path in the optical switch fabric; flowing other data packets along a separate data flow path; determining when the predetermined optical path is under-utilized in its available data flow capability and the desirability of inserting in that predetermined optical path additional data from the separate data flow path; diverting the photonic data packet flow along said predetermined path into the electrical switch fabric and converting the same into electrical data packets; joining the converted electrical data packets with said other data packets also presented in electrical data packet form; converting the joined electrical data packets into photonic data packet flow; and sending the converted joined photonic data packets along said predetermined optical path of the optical switch fabric.