Patent ID: 8355631
Filing Date: 2013-01-15
Classification: H04J

Abstract:
1. A method of transmitting a plurality of data channels and an optical service channel through an optical fiber link of a Wavelength Division Multiplexed (WDM) optical communications system, the optical fiber link comprising first and second optical fiber spans separated by an optical device, the method comprising: transmitting the data channels as a wavelength division multiplexed optical signal through the optical fiber link in a first direction; and transmitting the optical service channel having operation administration and maintenance (OAM) messages modulated thereon through each optical fiber span of the optical fiber link in a second direction opposite to the first direction; providing a first optical coupler connected to the first optical fiber span proximal an output the optical device, the first optical coupler being configured to permit the wavelength division multiplexed optical signal to propagate through the first optical fiber span in the first direction, and further configured to separate the optical service channel from the first span, the optical service channel propagating through the first optical fiber span in the second direction; and providing a second optical coupler connected to the second optical fiber span proximal an input of the optical device, the second optical coupler being configured to permit the wavelength division multiplexed optical signal to propagate through the second span in the first direction, and further configured to launch the optical service channel in the second direction through the second optical fiber span.