Patent ID: 8364037
Filing Date: 2013-01-29
Classification: H04L,H04Q

Abstract:
1. A method of routing a multiplexed signal through an optical network, the network comprising nodes for routing signals along links of the network, each node comprising a lower order matrix and/or a higher order matrix, each matrix capable of switching segments of the multiplexed signal between interfaces of the matrix, the lower order matrix capable of switching smaller segments comprising fewer channels than the higher order matrix, the method comprising: allocating a cost to using each interface of each matrix, the allocated cost taking into account a relative value of the lower order matrix to the higher order matrix due to the capability of the lower order matrix to switch smaller segments of the multiplexed signal, generating a cost function associated with possible routes for the signal through the network from the allocated costs, and determining a route for the signal through the network by optimising the cost function.