Patent ID: 7447432
Filing Date: 2008-11-04
Classification: H04J

Abstract:
1. A method of regulating radiation component power in a wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical communications system having a plurality of nodes interconnected through waveguides, the nodes including power regulating means for regulating the power of WDM wavelength channels at a respective node, the method comprising the steps of: a) measuring the power of each WDM wavelength channel received at the respective node; b) recording the power of each of the WDM wavelength channels in at least one token; c) passing the at least one token around the system from one node to another node, the at least one token being configured to hold data indicative of the wavelength channel powers of multiple nodes of the system; and d) adjusting the power regulating means at each node in response to receiving the at least one token and in dependence on the WDM wavelength channel powers at one or more other nodes and the wavelength channel powers at the respective node in order to regulate the power of WDM wavelength channels at the respective node.