Patent ID: 7016357
Filing Date: 2006-03-21
Classification: H04J,H04Q,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A network element comprising: an input circuit configured to receive a first plurality of N optical signal frames (N being an integer≧2) conforming to a synchronous optical network standard, said first plurality of optical signal frames being grouped into a first plurality of N time slots, at least two of said first plurality of optical signal frames being concatenated to carry a payload, the synchronous optical network standard covering optical signal frame types that are formed by concatenating at least two of the first plurality of optical signal frames; a switch circuit coupled to said input circuit, said switch circuit being configured to receive data corresponding to said payload; and an output circuit coupled to said switch circuit, said output circuit being configured to output a second plurality of N optical signal frames conforming to said synchronous optical network standard in response to said first plurality of optical signal frames, said second plurality of optical signal frames being grouped into a second plurality of N time slots, at least two of said second plurality of optical signal frames being concatenated to carry a payload, the synchronous optical network standard covering optical signal frame types that are formed by concatenating at least two of the second plurality of optical signal frames, wherein a sequential placement of time slots occupied by said concatenated optical signal frames within at least one of said first and second pluralities of N time slots does not conform to said synchronous optical network standard.