Patent ID: 10749727

Abstract:
Enclosed herewith is a method for protecting a link in an optical network configured for transmitting digital data employing a predetermined modulation format which comprises a number of symbols in a constellation diagram. A binary address is associated with each symbol. The modulation format allows for a constellation distortion, according to which the relative positions of constellation points in the constellation diagram are varied in a predetermined way by a predetermined degree. The method the steps of: A) partitioning the traffic in two or more priority classes, B) mapping higher priority traffic to predefined bit positions within the binary symbol addresses, C) evaluating the quality of a predetermined protection link, D) determining a degree of distortion such that a desired transmission quality for the transmission of the traffic of the highest priority class or classes via said predetermined protection link and a desired transmission quality for the full traffic via said given link are simultaneously ensured, and E) employing said distorted constellation diagram for transmission of digital data over said given link.