Patent ID: 8798454
Filing Date: 2014-08-05
Classification: H04J,H04Q

Abstract:
1. A method for distributing signals in an optical network comprising: combining, by a network element, a plurality of input signals into a different plurality of output signals; determining, by the network element, an availability status of a plurality of optical lanes for carrying the output signals; distributing, by the network element, the output signals at the same time across all of a plurality of optical transmitters associated with the plurality of optical lanes if the availability status indicates that all of the plurality of optical lanes are available, wherein the plurality of optical transmitters are greater in number than the plurality of output signals when all of the plurality of optical lanes are available; transmitting, by the network element, the output signals as optical signals at the same using all of the plurality of optical transmitters associated with the lanes that are available, such that the plurality of optical transmitters transmitting the output signals are greater in number than the plurality of output signals; determining that at least one previously available optical lane is not available for carrying the output signals; terminating distribution of the output signals to at least one optical transmitter associated with the at least one lane that is not available for carrying the output signals; and redistributing, by the network element, all of the output signals at the same time across all of the plurality of optical transmitters associated with the lanes that are still available.