Patent ID: 6377374
Filing Date: 2002-04-23
Classification: H04J,H04Q

Abstract:
In an optical communications network having a system including a first light termination element (LTE) and a second LTE, a first optical switching unit (OSU) coupled to the first LTE of the system, a second OSU coupled to the second LTE of the system, the first OSU coupled to the second OSU by a path, whereby optical data traffic can be transmitted between the first OSU and the second OSU via the path, a method for providing a restoration path between the first OSU and the second OSU upon detection of a failure of the system, comprising the steps of:(a) notifying the first OSU and second OSU of the failure; (b) assigning a primary role to one of the first and second OSUs, and assigning a secondary role to the other one of the rest and second OSUs; (c) determining a primary restoration plan, said determining step comprising said primary OSU communicating with a central network management center to verify that a particular restoration path, for use in said primary restoration plan, is available and in good working status; and (d) sending information identifying said primary restoration plan from the primary OSU for effecting the restoration path and restoring the system.