Patent ID: 7415208
Filing Date: 2008-08-19
Classification: H04J

Abstract:
1. A method for allocating bandwidth among a plurality of paths in an optical communication network, the method comprising: performing a first ranking of the plurality of paths based on one or more configuration rules; eliminating from consideration a lowest ranked path based on the configuration rules to define first paths; performing a second ranking of the first paths based on propagation rules; eliminating from consideration a lowest ranked path based on the propagation rules to define second paths; obtaining signal characteristic measurements from the plurality of paths, wherein the signal characteristic measurements from the plurality of paths are measured with an optical performance monitor; obtaining transmission parameters from the plurality of paths, wherein the transmission parameters comprise fiber type, amplifier type, channel launch power, and channel plan; determining a path quality indicator for the second paths and ranking the second paths based on the path quality indicator to define ranked second paths, the path quality indicator being dependent on a weighted combination of the signal characteristic measurements and the transmission parameters; and, selecting one of the ranked second paths based on the path quality indicator and allocating the bandwidth to the one of the ranked second paths.