Patent ID: 6115155
Filing Date: 2000-09-05
Classification: G02B,G02F,H04B,H04J,H04Q

Abstract:
A method for optical communications from a first terminal to a second terminal over a first optical fiber and a second optical fiber using wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) signals containing a plurality of channels, said method comprising:monitoring the status of said first optical fiber to define a normal state in which the first optical fiber is operating normally, and a fault state in which the first optical fiber has a fault;in said normal state, routing a first set of channels over the first optical fiber and routing a second set of channels over the second optical fiber, wherein said first set of channels and said second set of channels are mutually exclusive; andin said fault state:(a) combining said first and second sets of channels at the first terminal;(b) routing the combined channels over the second optical fiber to the second terminal; and(c) separating the combined channels at the second terminal into said first and second sets of channels.