Patent ID: 7349394
Filing Date: 2008-03-25
Classification: H04Q

Abstract:
1. A method for filtering and forwarding information in an optical network, comprising the steps of: accessing a frame carrying client information from an incoming port in communications with one or more optical elements of the optical network; detecting a presence or absence of an optics control tag integrated with said frame; determining a distribution mode for said frame; passing said frame with said optics control tag to one or more destination ports for communicating with one or more corresponding destination addresses for said frame, wherein said passing step includes passing said frame with said optics control tag to said incoming port in response to determining said distribution mode being designated for a shared service; and forwarding said frame with said optics control tag from said one or more destination ports to said one or more corresponding destination addresses, whereby said frame with said optics control tag is reflected-back from said incoming port in response to said determining a shared service.