Method and apparatus for colorless, directionless, super-channel, contention-free optical network architecture

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods and apparatus for colorless, directionless, super-channel, and contention-free optical network architectures. In some embodiments, a system includes a super-channel multiplexer (SCM) and an optical cross-connect (OXC) switch. The SCM is configured to multiplex an optical signal set into a super-channel optical signal having a band. The OXC switch is configured to be operatively coupled to the SCM and a reconfigurable optical add / drop multiplexer (ROADM) degree. The OXC switch is configured to be located between the SCM and the ROADM degree, and the OXC switch, the SCM, and the ROADM degree are configured to be included in a colorless, directionless, and contention-free (CDC) optical network. The OXC switch is configured to switch the super-channel optical signal to an output port from an output port set of the OXC switch based on the band. The OXC switch is configured to transmit the super-channel optical signal from the output port to the ROADM degree.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a Chinese invention patent application with a national application date of August 29, 2018, a national application number of 201810997833.8, and an invention name of “Method and device for colorless, directionless, and super-channel contention-free (CDSC) optical network architecture”. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods and apparatus for a colorless, directionless, and contention-free (CDC) optical network architecture. Background Art

[0003] Some embodiments described herein generally relate to methods and apparatus for colorless, directionless, and contention-free (CDC) optical network architectures. In particular, but not by way of limitation, some embodiments described herein relate to methods and apparatus for modular CDC optical network architectures optimized for superchannels and individual channels.

[0004] Reconfigurable optical add / drop multiplexer (ROADM) nodes can provide flexibility and reconfigurability for optical networks. These capabilities enable network operators to respond quickly and flexibly to network changes, such as establishing new optical paths or releasing existing optical paths. These ROADM capabilities enable some known modern optical networks to achieve colorlessness, directionlessness, and non-contention (CDC) and provide improved efficiency of optical networks. Known solutions for establishing optical networks with CDC capabilities include structures based on multicast switches (MCS) and structures based on optical cross-connect (OXC) switches. However, when the ROADM node includes more than four directions, the MCS-based structure is generally not scalable and is not cost-effective. The OXC-based structure generally uses very large OXC switches, which are not scalable and are potential single point failures. In addition, optical networks using known MCS-based structures or known OXC-based structures can only implement 1:1 protection schemes, which generally have slower recovery than 1+1 protection schemes.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for methods and apparatus for providing a scalable and high-performance optical network architecture with CDC capability and 1+1 protection scheme. Summary of the invention

[0006] In some embodiments, a system includes a super-channel multiplexer and an optical cross-connect (OXC) switch. The super-channel multiplexer is configured to multiplex an optical signal set into a super-channel optical signal having a band. Each optical signal from the optical signal set has a wavelength from a wavelength set that is included in the band. The OXC switch is configured to be operatively coupled to the super-channel multiplexer and a reconfigurable optical add / drop multiplexer (ROADM) degree. The OXC switch is configured to be located between the super-channel multiplexer and the ROADM degree. The OXC switch, the super-channel multiplexer, and the ROADM degree are configured to be included in a colorless, directionless, and contention-free (CDC) optical network. The OXC switch is configured to switch the super-channel optical signal to an output port from an output port set of the OXC switch based on the band. The OXC switch is configured to transmit the super-channel optical signal from the output port to the ROADM degree.

[0007] In some embodiments, an apparatus includes an input port set, an output port set, and a processor operatively coupled to the input port set and the output port set. At least one input port from the input port set is configured to be operatively coupled to a super-channel multiplexer. The output port set is configured to be operatively coupled to a reconfigurable optical add / drop multiplexer (ROADM) degree set. The processor is configured to be included in a colorless, directionless, and contention-free optical network, and is configured to receive a super-channel optical signal from the super-channel multiplexer via at least one input port from the input port set. The super-channel optical signal includes a wavelength band. The processor is configured to send the super-channel optical signal to a ROADM degree from the ROADM degree set via an output port from the output port set based on the wavelength band. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a colorless, directionless, and super-channel contention-free (CDsC) reconfigurable optical add / drop multiplexer (ROADM) node according to an embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a colorless, directionless, and superchannel contention-free (CDsC) ROADM node with dual-plane switching according to an embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B is a block diagram illustrating a ROADM node with dual-mode colorless, directionless, and super-channel contention-free (CDsC) according to an embodiment.

[0011] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating a colorless, directionless, and super-channel contention-free (CDsC) ROADM node with channelized CDC ("CDcC") capability according to an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating an optical cross-connect (OXC) switch according to an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of routing optical signals through an optical cross-connect (OXC) switch in a colorless, directionless, and contention-free optical network according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] A reconfigurable optical add / drop multiplexer (ROADM) node is a device that can insert, drop, block, pass, equalize, or redirect light waves of various wavelengths in an optical network (or optical transmission network). The add / drop port capability of a ROADM node allows the optical network to achieve colorless, directionless, and contention-free (CDC). A ROADM node may include multiple switching directions (i.e., ROADM degrees), and each switching direction (i.e., each ROADM degree) of a ROADM node may include a set of add / drop ports that can transmit light waves of various wavelengths in an optical network. In some implementations, a ROADM degree in a ROADM node includes an optical component that is configured to receive an optical signal set and transmit the optical signal set to a device outside the ROADM node or to one or more components in the ROADM node. The ROADM degree in a ROADM node may also include other optical components (e.g., multiplexer / demultiplexer modules) or electronic components (e.g., processors, memories). In a colorless optical network, each add / drop port of a ROADM node is not limited to (or fixedly assigned to) a single wavelength. In some implementations, the wavelength assigned to each add / drop port of the ROADM node is programmable. In other words, an optical signal with any optical wavelength can be inserted / dropped at any port of the ROADM degree (i.e., regardless of color). In a directionless optical network, an optical signal with any optical wavelength can be routed to any direction (or any add / drop port) of the ROADM node by software control, and there is no physical rewiring (i.e., regardless of direction). In a non-competitive optical network, optical signals with the same optical wavelength can be inserted and dropped at the next available port of the ROADM node without conflict. In other words, optical wavelengths can be assigned to more than one routing direction within the ROADM node without conflict. Some embodiments described herein provide a modular, customizable, and scalable architecture for an advanced ROADM optical network with CDC capabilities. Some embodiments described herein provide improved optimization of known solutions to the CDC architecture, and divide management functions into levels that allow simplified operation and automation.

[0015] Some embodiments described herein provide optimized solutions for high capacity super channels and provide CDC capabilities for individual channels. A super channel is a multi-carrier signal that uses a continuous portion of the optical spectrum and is optically routed as a single "super channel", thereby reducing filtering losses and allowing very large bandwidths to be managed. Some embodiments described herein provide a colorless, directionless, and super channel contention-free (CDsC) optical network system that not only provides high data rate capabilities, but also reduces the number of input ports for optical cross-connect (OXC) switches, thereby simplifying the design and management of optical networks.

[0016] In some embodiments, a system includes a super channel multiplexer and an optical cross connect (OXC) switch. The super channel multiplexer is configured to multiplex an optical signal set into a super channel optical signal having a band. Each optical signal from the optical signal set has a wavelength included in the band from a wavelength set. The OXC switch is configured to be operatively coupled to the super channel multiplexer and a reconfigurable optical add / drop multiplexer (ROADM) node. The OXC switch is configured to be located between the super channel multiplexer and the ROADM node. The OXC switch, the super channel multiplexer, and the ROADM node are configured to be included in a colorless, directionless, and contention-free (CDC) optical network. The OXC switch is configured to switch the super channel optical signal to an output port from an output port set of the OXC switch based on the band. The OXC switch is configured to transmit the super channel optical signal from the output port to the ROADM node.

[0017] In some embodiments, an apparatus includes an input port set, an output port set, and a processor operatively coupled to the input port set and the output port set. At least one input port from the input port set is configured to be operatively coupled to a super-channel multiplexer. The output port set is configured to be operatively coupled to a reconfigurable optical add / drop multiplexer (ROADM) level. The processor is configured to be included in a colorless, directionless, and contention-free optical network, and is configured to receive a super-channel optical signal from the super-channel multiplexer via at least one input port from the input port set. The super-channel optical signal includes a wavelength band. The processor is configured to send the super-channel optical signal to a ROADM level from the ROADM level set via an output port from the output port set based on the wavelength band.

[0018] As used in this specification, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, the term "port" is intended to mean a single port or a plurality of ports. As another example, the term "optical amplifier" is intended to mean a single optical amplifier or a plurality of optical amplifiers.

[0019] Figure 11 is a block diagram showing a colorless, directionless and super-channel contention-free (CDSC) reconfigurable optical add / drop multiplexer (ROADM) node according to an embodiment. The CDSC ROADM node 100 can be configured to send and / or receive optical signals. For example, the CDSC ROADM node 100 can be a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) system, such as a dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) system. In some embodiments, the CDSC ROADM node 100 includes an optical fiber carrying a single-carrier optical channel set 110 to 117 and an integrated super-channel set 118 to 120, a super-channel multiplexer / demultiplexer 101, an optical cross-connect (OXC) switch 102, and a reconfigurable optical add / drop multiplexer (ROADM) degree set 103 to 106. The OXC switch 102 can be configured to be communicatively located between the super-channel multiplexer 101 and the ROADM degrees 103 to 106. In other words, the data stream is transmitted from the super-channel multiplexer 101 to the OXC switch 102, and the data stream is output from the OXC switch 102 to the ROADMs 103 to 106. In some embodiments, each component of the CDsC ROADM node 100 (i.e., optical fibers carrying the single-carrier optical channel sets 110 to 117 and the integrated super-channel sets 118 to 120, the super-channel multiplexer / demultiplexer 101, the OXC switch 102, and the ROADMs 103 to 106) is a hardware device and / or software (executed on a processor and / or stored in a memory) implemented within the CDsC ROADM node 100.

[0020] The super-channel multiplexer / demultiplexer 101 may be operatively coupled to an optical fiber carrying an optical channel set 110 to 117 and an OXC switch 102. Each optical channel from the optical channel set 110 to 117 may carry an optical signal of an optical signal set at a wavelength from a wavelength set. The wavelength set of the optical signal set spans a first wavelength band. The super-channel multiplexer / demultiplexer 101 may be configured to multiplex the optical signals from the optical channel set 110 to 117 into a super-channel optical signal 121. The super-channel optical signal 121 is a multi-carrier signal having a second wavelength band. In some instances, the second wavelength band of the super-channel optical signal 121 is equal to the first wavelength band of the optical signal set 110 to 117. In some instances, the second wavelength band of the super-channel optical signal 121 includes a wavelength set. The sum of the wavelength set is greater than or equal to the first wavelength band of the optical signal set 110 to 117.

[0021] For example, the optical network system using the C-band transmission window (for example, the wavelength range in the DWDM system is from the band between 1530nm to 1565nm) supports a bandwidth of 4.8THz. In some instances, the transmission window can be divided into 96 individual channels (i.e. 96 single-carrier optical signals), and each individual channel from 96 individual channels has a frequency band of 50GHz. In other instances, it can be divided into 128 channels (i.e. 128 single-carrier optical signals), and each individual channel from 128 individual channels has a frequency band of 37.5GHz. In more other examples, it can be divided into 16 super channels, and each super channel from 16 super channels has a frequency band of 300GHz. In more other examples, it can be divided into 32 super channels, and each super channel from 32 super channels has a frequency band of 150GHz.

[0022] The OXC switch 102 may be operatively coupled to the superchannel multiplexer / demultiplexer 101, one or more optical fibers carrying integrated superchannel sets 118 to 120, and ROADM degree sets 103 to 106. The OXC switch 102 includes an input port set (not shown in the figure), an output port set (not shown in the figure), a memory (not shown in the figure), and a processor (not shown in the figure) operatively coupled to the input port set, the output port set, and the memory. The OXC switch 102 may be configured to direct an optical signal received via one input port in the input port set to the ROADM degree 103 to 106 via one output port in the output port set. The optical signal may be a super-channel optical signal 121 received from the super-channel multiplexer / demultiplexer 101, a super-channel optical signal 122 to 124 received from an integrated super-channel 118 to 120 (e.g., an optical transponder), or a single-carrier optical signal (not shown) received from an individual optical channel (not shown). The super-channel optical signals 122 to 124 transmitted from the integrated super-channel 118 to 120 are not multiplexed by the super-channel multiplexer / demultiplexer 101. In some instances, the OXC switch 102 may be symmetrical, where the number of input port sets is equal to the number of output port sets. In other instances, the OXC switch 102 may be asymmetrical, where the number of input port sets is different from the number of output port sets. In some embodiments, as described herein with respect to Figure 2 As discussed, a dual-plane OXC switch can be used to provide redundant protection. Details of the OXC switch 102 are provided below. Figure 5 Have a discussion.

[0023] Reconfigurable optical add / drop multiplexers (ROADM) 103 to 106 may be operatively coupled to the OXC switch 102. The ROADM 103 to 106 may be configured to insert, drop, block, pass, equalize, or redirect optical signals of various wavelengths. In some embodiments, the ROADM 103 to 106 in the ROADM node 100 includes an optical component configured to receive an optical signal set and transmit the optical signal set to a device outside the ROADM node 100 or to one or more components in the ROADM node 100. The ROADM 103 to 106 in the ROADM node 100 may also include other optical components (e.g., multiplexer / demultiplexer modules) or electronic components (e.g., processors, memories). The ROADM 103 to 106 may be implemented by a planar lightwave circuit (PLC) device (not shown) or a wavelength selective switching (WSS) device (not shown). The ROADM node 100 may have two switching directions (2D), four switching directions (4D) (as shown), eight switching directions (8D), or more than eight directions. When the ROADM node 100 has four switching directions, the ROADMs 103 to 106 may be operatively coupled to the other three ROADMs 103 to 106. In this example, when the ROADM 103 receives an optical signal from the OXC switch 102, the ROADM 103 may process the optical signal at the ROADM 103. In other examples, there is a through connection from the output port of the ROADM 103 to 106 to the other ROADMs 103 to 106 so that the optical signals 133 to 136 may be passed through the other ROADMs 103 to 106. For example, the optical signal 133 may be transmitted from the ROADM 103 to the ROADM 106 via the through connection 173. The ROADMs 103 to 106 may multiplex the optical signals and output the optical signals 133 to 136 to an optical network (not shown).

[0024] In some embodiments, an optical amplifier (not shown) may be placed between the super-channel multiplexer / demultiplexer 101 and the OXC switch 102, and operatively coupled to the super-channel multiplexer / demultiplexer 101 and the OXC switch 102. The optical amplifier may amplify the super-channel optical signal received from the super-channel multiplexer / demultiplexer 101 to generate an amplified super-channel optical signal. The optical amplifier may send the amplified super-channel optical signal to the OXC switch 102. By placing the optical amplifier between the super-channel multiplexer / demultiplexer 101 and the OXC switch 102, the CDsC ROADM node 100 may provide an improved optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) and save the implementation cost of the ROADM node 100.

[0025] In use, the superchannel multiplexer / demultiplexer 101 receives a set of single-carrier optical signals from an optical fiber carrying individual channel sets 110 to 117. The superchannel multiplexer / demultiplexer 101 multiplexes the set of single-carrier optical signals and generates a superchannel optical signal 121. Each optical signal from the set of optical signals has a wavelength from a set of wavelengths. The set of wavelengths of the set of optical signals spans a first wavelength band. The superchannel optical signal 121 is a multi-carrier signal having a second wavelength band. In some instances, the second wavelength band of the superchannel optical signal 121 is equal to the first wavelength band of the set of optical signals 110 to 117. In some instances, the second wavelength band of the superchannel optical signal 121 includes a wavelength set. The sum of the wavelength set is greater than or equal to the first wavelength band of the set of optical signals 110 to 117.

[0026] The super-channel multiplexer / demultiplexer 101 transmits the super-channel optical signal 121 to the OXC switch 102. The OXC switch 102 may receive the super-channel optical signal sets 122 to 124 from the integrated super-channel sets 118 to 120. The super-channel optical signal sets 122 to 124 received from the integrated super-channel sets 118 to 120 are not multiplexed by the super-channel multiplexer / demultiplexer 101. Then, the OXC switch 102 directs the super-channel optical signals 126 to 129 to the ROADM sets 103 to 106 via the output port sets (not shown) of the OXC switch 102. The ROADMs 103 to 106 add / drop the received super-channel optical signals 126 to 129 and output the optical signals 133 to 136 to the optical network (not shown). In some examples, there are through connections from output ports of ROADMs 103 to 106 to other ROADMs 103 to 106 so that optical signals 133 to 136 can be passed through other ROADMs 103 to 106. For example, optical signal 133 can be transmitted from ROADM 103 to ROADM 106 via through connection 173.

[0027] In the CDsC ROADM node 100, an optical signal with any optical wavelength can be added / dropped at any port of the ROADM degrees 103 to 106 in any direction without wavelength conflicts. Similarly stated, in the CDsC ROADM node 100, each add / drop port of the ROADM node 100 is not limited to (or fixedly assigned to) a single wavelength. In some embodiments, the wavelength assigned to each add / drop port of the ROADM node 100 is programmable. In other words, an optical signal with any optical wavelength can be added / dropped at any port of the ROADM node 100 (i.e., color-independent or colorless). In the CDsC ROADM node 100, an optical signal with any optical wavelength can be controlled by software and routed to any direction (or any add / drop port) of the ROADM degrees 103 to 106 without physical rewiring (i.e., direction-independent or directionless). In the CDsC ROADM node 100, optical signals having the same optical wavelength can be added and dropped at the next available port of the ROADM node 100 without conflict. In other words, optical wavelengths can be allocated to more than one routing direction within the ROADM node 100 without conflict (i.e., no contention). The CDsC ROADM node 100 not only provides high data rate capabilities, but also reduces the number of input ports used for (or required for) the OXC switch 102, thereby simplifying the design and management of the optical network.

[0028] For example, for a four-way ROADM node 100, the CDsC ROADM node 100 can achieve a 25% add / drop rate in each direction of the ROADM node, where the OXC switch 102 has thirty-two (32) input ports and thirty-two (32) output ports. The CDsC ROADM node 100 can achieve a 50% add / drop rate in each direction of the ROADM node, where the OXC switch 102 has sixty-four (64) input ports and sixty-four (64) output ports. The CDsC ROADM node 100 can achieve a 100% add / drop rate in each direction of the ROADM node, where the OXC switch 102 has 128 input ports and 128 output ports.

[0029] Figure 22 is a block diagram illustrating a colorless, directionless, and super-channel contention-free (CDsC) ROADM node 200 with dual-plane switching according to an embodiment. The CDsC ROADM node 200 includes one or more optical fibers carrying single-carrier optical channel sets 210 to 217 and integrated super-channel sets 218 to 220, a super-channel multiplexer / demultiplexer 201, ROADM degree sets 203 to 206, and dual-plane optical cross-connect (OXC) switches 202a and 202b. The CDsC ROADM node 200 with dual-plane switching can provide dual outputs for redundant connections and fast recovery. The single-carrier optical channel sets 210 to 217, the integrated super-channel sets 218 to 220, the super-channel multiplexer / demultiplexer 201, and the ROADM degree sets 203 to 206 are structurally and functionally similar to the ROADM nodes 202a and 202b, respectively. Figure 1 The single carrier optical channel set 110 to 117, the integrated super channel set 118 to 120, the super channel multiplexer / demultiplexer 101 and the ROADM set 103 to 106 in the OXC switch 202a and the OXC switch 202b are similar in structure and function to the OXC switch 202a and the OXC switch 202b. Figure 1 OXC switch 202a and OXC switch 202b may be configured to be communicatively located between super channel multiplexer / demultiplexer 201 and ROADMs 203 to 206. In other words, data streams are transmitted from super channel multiplexer 201 to OXC switches 202a to 201b, and data streams are output from OXC switches 202a to 202b to ROADMs 203 to 206.

[0030] In use, the superchannel multiplexer / demultiplexer 201 receives a single-carrier optical signal set from an optical fiber carrying individual channel sets 210 to 217. The superchannel multiplexer / demultiplexer 201 multiplexes the single-carrier optical signal set and generates a first superchannel optical signal 221a. In some instances, the superchannel multiplexer / demultiplexer 201 replicates the first superchannel optical signal 221a to generate a second superchannel optical signal 221b. Each optical signal from the optical signal set has a wavelength from a wavelength set. The wavelength set of the optical signal set spans a first wavelength band. The first superchannel optical signal 221a and the second superchannel optical signal 221b are multi-carrier signals having a second wavelength band. In some instances, the second wavelength band of the superchannel optical signal 221a and the superchannel optical signal 221b is equal to the first wavelength band of the optical signal set 210 to 217. In some examples, the second wavelength band of the super channel optical signal 221a or the super channel optical signal 221b includes a wavelength band set, and the sum of the wavelength band set is greater than or equal to the first wavelength band of the optical signal set 210 to 217.

[0031] The super-channel multiplexer / demultiplexer 201 sends the first super-channel optical signal 221a to the first OXC switch 202a and sends the second super-channel optical signal 221b to the second OXC switch 202b. The first OXC switch 202a can receive the super-channel optical signal set 222a to 224a from the integrated super-channel set 218 to 220. The second OXC switch 202b can receive the duplicate super-channel optical signal set 222b to 224b from the integrated super-channel set 218 to 220. The super-channel optical signals 222a to 224b received from the integrated super-channels 218 to 220 are not multiplexed by the super-channel multiplexer / demultiplexer 201. Then, the first OXC switch 202a guides the super-channel optical signals 226a to 229a to the ROADM degree set 203 to 206 via the output port set (not shown) of the first OXC switch 202a. In some examples, in the event that the first OXC switch 202a fails or the connection coupled to the first OXC switch 202a fails, the second OXC switch 202b may also direct the super-channel optical signals 226b to 229b to the ROADM degree set 203 to 206. In other examples, when the first OXC switch 202a is working, the second OXC switch 202b may direct the super-channel optical signals 226b to 229b to the ROADM degree set 203 to 206. The ROADM degrees 203 to 206 add or drop the received super-channel optical signals 226a to 229b and output the optical signals 233 to 236 to the optical network (not shown in the figure). In some examples, there is a direct connection from the output port of the ROADM degree 203 to 206 to other ROADM degrees 203 to 206, so that the optical signals 233 to 236 can be transmitted through other ROADM degrees 203 to 206. For example, optical signal 233 may be transmitted from ROADM node 203 to ROADM node 206 via through connection 273 .

[0032] Similar to Figure 1 In the CDsC ROADM node 100, the CDsC ROADM node 200 with dual-plane switching also provides colorless, directionless and contention-free capabilities. Additionally, the CDsC ROADM node 200 with dual-plane switching allows 1+1 super-channel protection and fast recovery. For example, in the event that the first OXC switch 202a fails or the connection coupled to the first OXC switch 202a fails, the second OXC switch 202b can also guide the super-channel optical signals 226b to 229b to the ROADM degree sets 203 to 206.

[0033] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3Bis a block diagram showing a colorless, directionless, and super channel contention-free (CDsC) ROADM node 300 with dual mode according to an embodiment. According to an embodiment, Figure 3A shows a CDsC ROADM node 300 in redundant protection mode, and Figure 3B 3. The CDsC ROADM node 300 is shown in a semi-superchannel mode. The CDsC ROADM node 300 includes one or more optical fibers carrying a superchannel 310, ROADM nodes 303 to 306, and dual-plane optical cross-connect (OXC) switches 302a and 302b. The CDsC ROADM node 300 can be in redundant protection mode ( Figure 3A ) for redundant connections and fast recovery, and semi-hyperchannel switching in semi-hyperchannel mode ( Figure 3B In some examples, the superchannel 310 can be structurally and functionally similar to Figure 1 In other examples, the super channel optical signal 321a may be a super channel optical signal composed of Figure 1 The ROADM sets 303 to 306 are similar in structure and function to the super-channel optical signals multiplexed by a super-channel multiplexer / demultiplexer (not shown) similar to the super-channel multiplexer / demultiplexer 101 in FIG. Figure 1 The ROADM sets 103 to 106 in FIG. OXC switch 302a and OXC switch 302b are similar in structure and function to Figure 1 The OXC switch 102 in.

[0034] Figure 3A A CDsC ROADM node 300 with a redundant protection mode according to an embodiment is shown. In use, in some instances, the super channel 310 carries a first super channel optical signal 321a. In other instances, a super channel multiplexer / demultiplexer (not shown) receives a single carrier optical signal set from an individual channel set (not shown) and multiplexes the single carrier optical signal set to generate a first super channel optical signal 321a.

[0035] Super channel 310 replicates the first super channel optical signal 321a to generate the second super channel optical signal 321b. The first super channel optical signal 321a and the second super channel optical signal 321b are multi-carrier signals with bands. For example, an optical network system using a C-band transmission window supports a bandwidth of 4.8THz. In some instances, it can be divided into 16 super channels, and each super channel from the 16 super channels has a frequency band of 300GHz (e.g., super channel optical signals 321a and 321b). In other instances, it can be divided into 32 super channels, and each super channel from the 32 super channels has a frequency band of 150GHz (e.g., super channel optical signals 321a and 321b).

[0036] The first super channel optical signal 321a is sent to the first OXC switch 302a, and the second super channel optical signal 321b is sent to the second OXC switch 302b. Then, the first OXC switch 302a routes the first super channel optical signal 321a to a ROADM node (e.g., ROADM node 303) from the ROADM node set 303 to 306 via an output port from an output port set (not shown in the figure) of the first OXC switch 302a. The second OXC switch 302b may route the second super channel optical signal 321b to a ROADM node (e.g., to ROADM node 306) from the ROADM node set 303 to 306 via an output port from an output port set (not shown in the figure) of the second OXC switch 302b. The ROADM nodes 303 to 306 add or drop the received super channel optical signal and output the optical signals 333 to 336 to the optical network (not shown in the figure). In some examples, there are through connections from output ports of ROADMs 303 to 306 to other ROADMs 303 to 306 so that optical signals 333 to 336 can be passed through other ROADMs 303 to 306. For example, optical signal 333 can be transmitted from ROADM 303 to ROADM 306 via through connection 373.

[0037] Similar to Figure 2 The CDsC ROADM node 200 in the redundant protection mode provides colorless, directionless and contention-free capabilities, as well as dual-plane switching that allows 1+1 super-channel protection and fast recovery.

[0038] Figure 3BA CDsC ROADM node 300 in a semi-superchannel mode according to an embodiment is shown. In use, in some instances, a superchannel 310 (e.g., an integrated superchannel) carries a superchannel optical signal 331a, which is split into two superchannel optical signals SC1A and SC1B. In other instances, a superchannel multiplexer / demultiplexer (not shown) receives a single carrier optical signal set from an individual channel set (not shown) and multiplexes the single carrier optical signal set to generate a first superchannel optical signal 331a. The superchannel replicates the first superchannel optical signal 331a to provide a second superchannel optical signal 331b.

[0039] The first super channel optical signal 331a and the second super channel optical signal 331b are multi-carrier signals with wave bands. For example, for an optical network system using a C-band transmission window, which supports a bandwidth of 4.8THz, the transmission window can be divided into 16 super channels, and each super channel from the 16 super channels has a frequency band of 300GHz (e.g., super channel optical signals 331a and 331b). The 300GHz super channel optical signals 331a and 331b can be divided into (equal or unequal) two smaller super channel optical signals SC1A and SC1B. In this example, the C-band transmission window of 4.8THz is divided into 32 super channels, instead of 16 super channels. For example, when the 300GHz super channel optical signal (e.g., 331a) is equally divided, each super channel optical signal SC1A and SC1B can have a bandwidth of 150GHz. When a 300 GHz super-channel optical signal (eg, 331a) is randomly divided, the super-channel optical signal SC1A may have a bandwidth of, for example, 100 GHz, and the super-channel optical signal SC1B may have a bandwidth of, for example, 200 GHz.

[0040] The first super channel optical signal 331a including SC1A and SC1B is sent to the first OXC switch 302a, and the second super channel optical signal 331b including SC1A and SC1B is sent to the second OXC switch 302b. Then, the first OXC switch 302a routes the first super channel optical signal 331a to a ROADM node from the ROADM node set 303 to 306, for example, to the ROADM node 303, via an output port from an output port set (not shown in the figure) of the first OXC switch 302a. The second OXC switch 302b may route the second super channel optical signal 331b to a ROADM node from the ROADM node set 303 to 306, for example, to the ROADM node 306, via an output port from an output port set (not shown in the figure) of the second OXC switch 302b. The ROADM nodes 303 to 306 add or drop the received super channel optical signal and output the optical signals 353 to 356 to the optical network (not shown in the figure). For example, the super-channel optical signal SC1B of the first super-channel optical signal 331a is blocked at the ROADM level 303, and only the super-channel optical signal SC1A 353 of the first super-channel optical signal 331a is transmitted through the ROADM level 303. The super-channel optical signal SC1A of the second super-channel optical signal 331b is blocked at the ROADM level 306, and only the super-channel optical signal SC1B 356 of the second super-channel optical signal 331b is transmitted through the ROADM level 306. This is beneficial when two smaller super-channel optical signals SC1A and SC1B are to be transmitted in different directions. In these cases, the ROADM levels 303 to 306 can block unwanted super-channels at their entrances and only transmit one or more super-channel optical signals intended for transmission. In some examples, dividing the super-channel optical signals 331a and 331b into smaller super-channel optical signals SC1A and SC1B can also be used for any wavelength combination. The division of superchannel optical signals 331a and 331b into smaller superchannel optical signals SC1A and SC1B and the routing of the smaller superchannel optical signals SC1A and SC1B can be programmed and customized by the CDsC ROADM node 300. In some examples, there are through connections from the output ports of the ROADM nodes 303 to 306 to other ROADM nodes 303 to 306 so that the optical signals 333 to 336 can be passed through the other ROADM nodes 303 to 306. For example, the optical signal 333 can be transmitted from the ROADM node 303 to the ROADM node 306 via the through connection 373.

[0041] Similar to Figure 2 The CDsC ROADM node 200 in the semi-superchannel mode and the CDsC ROADM node 300 provide colorless, directionless and contention-free capabilities.

[0042] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating a colorless, directionless, and super-channel contention-free (CDsC) ROADM node 400 with channelized CDC ("CDcC") capability according to an embodiment. The CDsC ROADM node 400 with CDcC capability includes one or more optical fibers carrying a contiguous single-carrier optical channel 410, an integrated super-channel set 418, and a non-contiguous single-carrier optical channel set 411, a super-channel multiplexer / demultiplexer (SCMD) 401, a dual-cast multiplexer / demultiplexer set (DCMD) 491, ROADM degree sets 403 to 406, and optical cross-connect (OXC) switches 402a to 402c. The CDsC ROADM node 400 with CDcC capability can provide CDC benefits for optical network systems with super-channels and individual channels at the same time. In addition, similar to Figure 2 The CDsC ROADM node 200 and Figure 3A In the CDsC ROADM node 300, the CDsC ROADM node 400 with CDcC capability also provides dual outputs for redundant connection and fast recovery.

[0043] The continuous single carrier optical channel 410, the integrated super channel set 418, the SCMD 401 and the ROADM degree sets 403 to 406 are similar in structure and function to Figure 1 The OXC switches 402a to 402c are similar in structure and function to the single carrier optical channel sets 110 to 117, integrated super channel sets 118 to 120, super channel multiplexer / demultiplexer 101 and ROADM degree sets 103 to 106. Figure 1 OXC switch 102 in. In some examples, OXC switches 402a and 402b can be configured to be communicatively located between SCMD 401 and ROADM degree set 403 to 406. In other words, data streams are transmitted from SCMD 401 to OXC switches 402a and 402b, and data streams are output from OXC switches 402a and 402b to ROADM degrees 403 to 406.

[0044] The non-contiguous single-carrier optical channel set 411 carries the non-contiguous single-carrier optical signal set 412. Unlike the contiguous single-carrier optical channel set 410 that uses a contiguous portion of the optical spectrum and is optically routed as a single "super channel", the wavelengths of the non-contiguous single-carrier optical signal set 412 in the non-contiguous single-carrier optical channel set 411 are not necessarily in a contiguous portion of the optical spectrum in some instances. The DCMD set 491 can be configured to multiplex the non-contiguous single-carrier optical signal set 412 into a collection of multiplexed optical signal groups 423a.

[0045] In use, the SCMD 401 receives a continuous single-carrier optical signal set 413 from one or more optical fibers carrying a continuous single-carrier optical channel set 410. The SCMD 401 multiplexes the continuous single-carrier optical signal set 413 and generates a first super-channel optical signal 421a. In some examples, the SCMD 401 duplicates the first super-channel optical signal 421a to generate a second super-channel optical signal 421b. The SCMD 401 sends the first super-channel optical signal 421a to the first OXC switch 402a and sends the second super-channel optical signal 421b to the second OXC switch 402b. The first OXC switch 402a can receive the super-channel optical signal set 422a from one or more optical fibers carrying the integrated super-channel set 418. The second OXC switch 402b can receive the duplicate super-channel optical signal set 422b from the integrated super-channel set 418. The super-channel optical signals 422a to 422b received from the integrated super-channel 418 are not multiplexed by the SCMD 401.

[0046] One or more optical fibers carrying the non-contiguous single-carrier optical channel set 411 transmit the non-contiguous single-carrier optical signal set 414 to the OXC switch 402c. The OXC switch 402c routes each non-contiguous single-carrier optical signal from the non-contiguous single-carrier optical signal set 414 to a DCMD of the DCMD set 491. In some instances, the OXC switch 402c may route each non-contiguous single-carrier optical signal 414 to the DCMD 491 based on the ROADM levels 403 to 406 to which the non-contiguous single-carrier optical signal 414 is destined. In other words, when a subset of the non-contiguous signal carrier optical signals 414 is destined to the first ROADM level 403, the OXC switch 402c may route the subset of the non-contiguous single-carrier optical signals 414 to the first DCMD 491. In some instances, the DCMD 491 may be uniquely associated with a ROADM level from the ROADM level set 403 to 406.

[0047] In other examples, the OXC switch 402c may route each non-continuous single carrier optical signal 414 to a DCMD 491 based on a wavelength from the set of wavelengths of the non-continuous signal carrier optical signal 414. In other words, when the wavelength range of the first subset of the non-continuous single carrier optical signals 414 is within a first range, the OXC switch 402c may route the first subset of the non-continuous single carrier optical signals 414 to a first DCMD 491. When the wavelength range of the second subset of the non-continuous single carrier optical signals 414 is within a second range, the OXC switch 402c may route the second subset of the non-continuous single carrier optical signals 414 to a second DCMD 491. The second range may be different from or overlap with the first range.

[0048] The DCMD 491 may send the multiplexed optical signal 423a to the first OXC switch 402a and send a copy of the multiplexed optical signal 423b to the second OXC switch 402b. Then, the first OXC switch 402a may direct the super-channel optical signals 421a and 422a and the multiplexed optical signal 423a to the ROADM degree sets 403 to 406 via the output port set (not shown) of the first OXC switch 402A. In some instances, in the event that the first OXC switch 402a fails or the connection coupled to the first OXC switch 402a fails, the second OXC switch 402b may also direct the super-channel optical signals 421b and 422b and the multiplexed optical signal 423b to the ROADM degree sets 403 to 406. Similarly, in the event that the second OXC switch 402b fails or the connection coupled to the second OXC switch 402b fails, the first OXC switch 402a may also direct the super-channel optical signals 421a and 422a and the multiplexed optical signal 423a to the ROADM sets 403 to 406. In other examples, when the first OXC switch 402a is operating, the second OXC switch 402b may direct the super-channel optical signals 421b and 422b and the multiplexed optical signal 423b to the ROADM sets 403 to 406. The ROADMs 403 to 406 add or drop the received super-channel optical signals 421a to 422b and the multiplexed optical signals 423a to 423b, and output the optical signals 433 to 436 to the optical network (not shown). In some examples, there are through connections from output ports of ROADMs 403 to 406 to other ROADMs 403 to 406 so that optical signals 433 to 436 can be passed through other ROADMs 403 to 406. For example, optical signal 433 can be transmitted from ROADM 403 to ROADM 406 via through connection 473.

[0049] Similar to Figure 2 The dual-plane OXC switches 202a to 202b in FIG. 4 and the dual-plane OXC switches 402a to 402b support 1+1 redundant protection. Moreover, the dual-plane OXC switches 402a to 402b support 1+1 redundant protection at the super channel level and the individual channel level. Figure 1In the CDsC ROADM node 100, the CDsC ROADM node 400 with CDcC capability also provides the benefits of colorless, directionless and contention-free. In addition, multi-layer switching (e.g., dual-plane OXC switches 402a to 402b are the main layer of switching, and OXC switch 402c is the secondary layer of switching) provides flexible programmability and can be used in combination with existing super channels managed by the main switching layer. The multi-layer switching architecture provides a CDC solution that is effective for both super channel CDC and single channel CDC, and at the same time, the multi-layer switching architecture manages the size of the OXC switches 402a to 402b for directional switching to provide a compact and easy-to-manage solution. For example, each layer of the multi-layer switching architecture in the CDsC ROADM node 400 with CDcC capability can be modular and can be inserted and / or separated without affecting other layers. In some examples, the contiguous single carrier optical channel set 410 and SCMD 401 may be removed and replaced with a non-contiguous single carrier optical channel set 411 and a dual-cast multiplexer / demultiplexer set (DCMD) 491 for CDcC capability. Similarly, the non-contiguous single carrier optical channel set 411 and the dual-cast multiplexer / demultiplexer set (DCMD) 491 may be removed and replaced with a contiguous single carrier optical channel set 410 and SCMD 401 to provide switching for more super channels.

[0050] Figure 5 1 is a block diagram illustrating an optical cross-connect (OXC) switch 500 according to an embodiment. The OXC switch 500 includes a processor 501, a memory 502, a switch 503, an input port set 511 (or an ingress port set), and an output port set 512 (or an egress port set). The switch 503 is operatively coupled to the input port set 511, the output port set 512, and the processor 501. The processor 501 is operatively coupled to the memory 502. The OXC switch 500 may be configured to be switchably and / or operatively coupled to a super channel multiplexer / demultiplexer ( Figure 5 (not shown), reconfigurable optical add / drop multiplexer (ROADM) Figure 5 Not shown), integrated super channel ( Figure 5 ) and / or a dual-cast multiplexer / demultiplexer ( Figure 5 In some examples, the OXC switch 500 may be configured to be located at a super channel multiplexer / demultiplexer ( Figure 5 not shown) and ROADM ( Figure 5 OXC switch 500 may be configured to be included in a colorless, directionless, and contention-free optical network ( Figure 5 not shown).

[0051] The processor 501 may be or include any processing device or component configured to perform data collection, processing, and transmission functions as described herein. The processor 501 may be configured to, for example, write data to the memory 502 and read data from the memory 502, and execute instructions stored in the memory 502. The processor 501 may also be configured to execute and / or control the operation of, for example, the memory 502. In some embodiments, based on methods or processes stored in the memory 502 (e.g., in the form of code or instructions for the processor 501), the processor 501 may be configured to execute processes such as Figure 6 Described in .

[0052] The memory 502 may be, for example, a random access memory (RAM) (e.g., dynamic RAM, static RAM), flash memory, removable memory, etc. In some embodiments, the memory 502 may include, for example, one or more of a database, a process, an application, a virtual machine, and / or some other software modules (stored and / or being executed in hardware) or a hardware module configured to perform a process. In such an implementation, instructions for performing a process and / or an associated method may be stored in the memory 502 and executed at the processor 501.

[0053] Figure 5 The number and arrangement of components shown in are provided as examples. In some embodiments, there may be Figure 5 OXC switch 500 may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown in FIG. OXC switch 500 may include an optical splitter (not shown).

[0054] In use, the switch 503 may receive an optical signal set (not shown) via the input port set 511, and the processor 501 may send a control signal to the switch 503 to route each optical signal from the optical signal set to an output port from the output port set 512. The switch 503 may then send the optical signal to an optical device (e.g., ROADM) operatively coupled to the OXC switch 500 via the output port based on the control signal from the processor 501. The optical signal from the optical signal set may be received from a super channel multiplexer / demultiplexer ( Figure 5 The super channel optical signal received by Figure 5 The super-channel optical signal of the integrated super-channel (not shown) in the Figure 5 ), or a multiplexed optical signal ( Figure 5 is not shown; for example, Figure 4DCMD 491 in.

[0055] In some examples, the OXC switch 500 may be symmetrical, where the number of input port sets 511 is equal to the number of output port sets 512. In other examples, the OXC switch 500 may be asymmetrical, where the number of input port sets 511 is not equal to the number of output port sets 512. Figures 2 to 5 As discussed, dual-plane OXC switches can be used to provide redundant protection.

[0056] For example, for an OXC switch 500 having thirty-two (32) input ports and thirty-two (32) output ports and connected to a four-way ROADM node, the CDsC ROADM node can achieve a 25% add / drop rate in each direction of the ROADM node. The CDsC ROADM node can achieve a 50% add / drop rate in each direction of the ROADM node, where the OXC switch 500 has sixty-four (64) input ports and sixty-four (64) output ports. The CDsC ROADM node can achieve a 100% add / drop rate in each direction of the ROADM node, where the OXC switch 500 has 128 input ports and 128 output ports.

[0057] In some examples, the OXC switch 500 can be configured to direct the optical signal to an output port from the output port set 512 based on a destination address to which the optical signal is transmitted. The destination address can be associated with a device that is a next hop on the transmission path of the optical signal, or with a device that is a final destination of the transmission path of the optical signal (e.g., a peripheral device across an optical network (not shown)). In other examples, the OXC switch 500 can be configured to route the optical signal to an output port from the output port set 512 based on a wavelength of the optical signal (e.g., a single-carrier optical signal) or a wavelength range of a super-channel optical signal (or a multiplexed optical signal).

[0058] In some examples, at least one input port from the input port set 511 of the OXC switch 500 may be configured to be operatively coupled to an optical amplifier (not shown). The optical amplifier may amplify a super-channel optical signal received from a super-channel multiplexer / demultiplexer (not shown) to generate an amplified super-channel optical signal. The optical amplifier may send the amplified super-channel optical signal to the OXC switch 500. By placing the optical amplifier between the super-channel multiplexer / demultiplexer and the OXC switch 500, the CDsC ROADM node may provide an improved optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) and save implementation costs of the optical network system.

[0059] Figure 66 is a flow chart illustrating a method for routing optical signals through an optical cross-connect (OXC) switch in a colorless, directionless, and contention-free optical network according to an embodiment. The method 600 may be performed in an OXC switch (e.g., Figure 5 It is implemented at the OXC switch 500 in the example.

[0060] At 601, an OXC switch receives a super-channel optical signal via an input port from an input port set in a colorless, directionless, and contention-free optical network. At 602, the OXC switch sends the super-channel optical signal to a ROADM node from a ROADM node set via an output port of an output port set. The super-channel optical signal may be received from a super-channel multiplexer / demultiplexer or an integrated super-channel. In some examples, the OXC switch receives a single carrier optical signal received from a single optical channel, or from a multiplexer / demultiplexer (e.g., Figure 4 The multiplexed optical signal received by DCMD491).

[0061] The OXC switch may be exchangeably and / or operably coupled to a super-channel multiplexer / demultiplexer, a reconfigurable optical add / drop multiplexer (ROADM), an integrated super-channel and / or bicast multiplexer / demultiplexer. In some instances, the OXC switch may be configured to be communicatively located between the super-channel multiplexer / demultiplexer and the ROADM. In other words, the data stream is transmitted from the super-channel multiplexer / demultiplexer to the OXC switch, and the data stream is output from the OXC switch to the ROADM. The OXC switch may be configured to be included in a colorless, directionless, and contention-free optical network.

[0062] In some instances, the OXC switch may be symmetric, where the number of input port sets is equal to the number of output port sets. In other instances, the OXC switch may be asymmetric, where the number of input port sets is not equal to the number of output port sets. Figures 2 to 5 As discussed, dual-plane OXC switches can be used to provide redundant protection.

[0063] For example, for an OXC switch having thirty-two (32) input ports and thirty-two (32) output ports and connected to a four-way ROADM node, a CDsC ROADM node can achieve a 25% add / drop rate in each direction of the ROADM node. A CDsC ROADM node can achieve a 50% add / drop rate in each direction of the ROADM node, where the OXC switch has sixty-four (64) input ports and sixty-four (64) output ports. A CDsC ROADM node can achieve a 100% add / drop rate in each direction of the ROADM node, where the OXC switch has 128 input ports and 128 output ports.

[0064] The OXC switch may direct the optical signal to an output port from the output port set based on a destination address to which the optical signal is transmitted. The destination address may be associated with a device that is a next hop on a transmission path of the optical signal, or associated with a device that is a final destination of the transmission path of the optical signal (e.g., a peripheral device across an optical network). In other examples, the OXC switch may be configured to route the optical signal to an output port from the output port set based on a wavelength of the optical signal (e.g., a single-carrier optical signal) or a wavelength range of a super-channel optical signal (or a multiplexed optical signal).

[0065] Some embodiments described herein relate to computer storage products with non-transitory computer-readable media (also referred to as non-transitory processor-readable media) having instructions or computer codes for performing various computer-implemented operations. Computer-readable media (or processor-readable media) are non-transitory in a sense because they do not include temporary propagation signals themselves (e.g., propagating electromagnetic waves to transmit information on a transmission medium such as space or cables). The media and computer codes (also referred to as codes) can be those designed and constructed for a specific purpose or multiple purposes. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include, but are not limited to: magnetic storage media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and tapes; optical storage media such as compact disks / digital video disks (CD / DVD), compact disk read-only memories (CD-ROMs), and holographic devices; magneto-optical storage media such as compact disks; carrier signal processing modules; and hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program codes, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), read-only memories (ROMs), and random access memory (RAM) devices. Other embodiments described herein relate to computer program products, which may include, for example, instructions and / or computer codes discussed herein.

[0066] Examples of computer code include, but are not limited to, microcode or microinstructions, machine instructions (such as those generated by a compiler), code used to generate Web services, and files containing higher-level instructions executed by a computer using an interpreter. For example, an imperative programming language (e.g., C, Fortran, etc.), a functional programming language (Haskell, Erlang, etc.), a logical programming language (e.g., Prolog), an object-oriented programming language (e.g., Java, C++, etc.), or other suitable programming languages ​​and / or development tools may be used to implement an embodiment. Additional examples of computer code include, but are not limited to, control signals, encryption codes, and compression codes.

[0067] Although various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented by way of example only and not limitation. Where the above method indicates that certain events occur in a particular order, the ordering of certain events may be modified. Additionally, certain events may be executed simultaneously in parallel processing when possible, as well as being executed sequentially as described above.

Claims

1. A system for optical network management, comprising: a first optical cross-connect OXC switch having a plurality of input ports, a plurality of output ports, and a processor operatively coupled to the plurality of input ports and the plurality of output ports; as well as a second OXC switch configured to be operatively coupled to the first OXC switch, the first OXC switch and the second OXC switch being configured to be included in a colorless, directionless and contention-free optical network, The processor is configured to receive a first super-channel optical signal from at least one of a super-channel multiplexer or a super-channel via an input port from the plurality of input ports, the first super-channel optical signal being a multi-carrier optical signal having a wavelength bandwidth, The processor is configured to switch the first super-channel optical signal to an output port from a plurality of output ports based on the wavelength bandwidth, The processor is configured to send the first super-channel optical signal to a first ROADM from a plurality of reconfigurable optical add / drop multiplexer (ROADM) via the output port from the plurality of output ports, The second OXC switch is configured to transmit the second super-channel optical signal to a second ROADM level from among the plurality of ROADM levels for redundancy protection.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein: The super-channel multiplexer is configured to multiplex a plurality of optical signals to generate the first super-channel optical signal.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein: The first OXC switch is configured to be located between at least one of the super-channel multiplexer or the super-channel and the first ROADM level.

4. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: an optical amplifier configured to be operatively coupled to the first OXC switch, The optical amplifier is configured to amplify the first super-channel optical signal to generate an amplified super-channel optical signal, The optical amplifier is configured to send the amplified super-channel optical signal to the first OXC switch.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein: The first ROADM node is included in a ROADM node having (1) at least four ROADM nodes, and (2) at least twenty ports, The first OXC switch includes at least thirty-two input ports and at least thirty-two output ports, causing a 50% add or drop for each ROADM degree from the at least four ROADM degrees.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the wavelength bandwidth comprises a bandwidth of at least 300 GHz.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein: The first OXC switch is configured to receive a third super-channel optical signal from the super-channel, the third super-channel optical signal not multiplexed by the super-channel multiplexer.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein: The first ROADM degree is configured to: (1) process the first super-channel optical signal at the first ROADM degree, or (2) transmit the first super-channel optical signal to a third ROADM degree operatively coupled to the first ROADM degree.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the number of the plurality of input ports is equal to the number of the plurality of output ports.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the colorless, directionless, and contention-free optical network allows optical signals having any optical wavelength within a predetermined wavelength range to be added to and dropped from the colorless, directionless, and contention-free optical network.

11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the colorless, directionless, and contention-free optical network allows an optical signal having any optical wavelength within a predetermined wavelength range to be redirected to any output port from a plurality of output ports of a ROADM node, the ROADM node having a plurality of ROADM degrees including the first ROADM degree.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the colorless, directionless, and contention-free optical network allows a first optical signal from a plurality of optical signals and a second optical signal from the plurality of optical signals to be added and dropped without collision, the wavelength of the first optical signal being equal to the wavelength of the second optical signal.

13. A method for optical network management, comprising: receiving a super-channel optical signal at an input port from a plurality of input ports of an optical cross-connect OXC switch, the super-channel optical signal being generated by multiplexing a plurality of optical signals, each optical signal from the plurality of optical signals having a wavelength from a plurality of wavelengths, the plurality of wavelengths having a first wavelength bandwidth, the super-channel optical signal being a multi-carrier optical signal having a second wavelength bandwidth; as well as Based on the second wavelength bandwidth, the super channel optical signal is sent to a ROADM node from a plurality of ROADM nodes via an output port among a plurality of output ports of the OXC switch, The plurality of input ports includes at least thirty-two input ports, the plurality of output ports includes at least thirty-two output ports, the plurality of ROADM degrees are included in a ROADM node, the ROADM node having at least 50% adds or drops for each ROADM degree from the plurality of ROADM degrees. The method of claim 13 , wherein the number of the plurality of input ports is equal to the number of the plurality of output ports.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the OXC switch is included in a colorless, directionless, and contention-free optical network.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the colorless, directionless, and contention-free optical network allows optical signals having any optical wavelength within a predetermined wavelength range to be added to and dropped from the colorless, directionless, and contention-free optical network.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the colorless, directionless, and contention-free optical network allows an optical signal having any optical wavelength within a predetermined wavelength range to be redirected to any output port from a plurality of output ports of the ROADM node.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the colorless, directionless, and contention-free optical network allows a first optical signal and a second optical signal to be added and dropped without collision, the wavelength of the first optical signal being equal to the wavelength of the second optical signal.

19. A method for optical network management, comprising: Receiving a first super-channel optical signal from at least one of a super-channel multiplexer or a super-channel at a processor of a first optical cross-connect OXC switch via an input port among a plurality of input ports, the first super-channel optical signal being a multi-carrier optical signal having a wavelength bandwidth, the first optical cross-connect OXC switch having the plurality of input ports, a plurality of output ports, and the processor operatively coupled to the plurality of input ports and the plurality of output ports; switching, via the processor, the first super-channel optical signal to an output port from the plurality of output ports of the first OXC switch based on the wavelength bandwidth; sending the first super-channel optical signal to a first reconfigurable optical add / drop multiplexer (ROADM) from a plurality of ROADMs via the processor via the output port from the plurality of output ports; and transmitting a second super-channel optical signal from a second OXC switch operatively coupled to the first OXC switch to a second ROADM switch from the plurality of ROADM switches for redundancy protection, The first OXC switch and the second OXC switch are included in a colorless, directionless and contention-free optical network.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein: The super-channel multiplexer is configured to multiplex a plurality of optical signals to generate the first super-channel optical signal.

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