Abstract

Optical networks on which signals are routed and switched optically, are indispensable for achieving future large capacity and flexible communication networks. Some demonstration experiments have been carried out to show the feasibility of optical networks [1]-[4]. One of the most important issues in developing such networks is a network Operation and Maintenance (OAM) system. The present networks utilize an OAM system based on the SDH/SONET, in which OAM information is embedded in synchronous frames. Since, in the optical networks, some signals go through several nodes without any O/E and E/O conversions, OAM information cannot be obtained based on conventional schemes. An OAM implementation technology for optical networks should be put together, as some papers have pointed out [5],[6]. This paper proposes an OAM concept for optical networks. An implementation scheme for the concept is also proposed, and its feasibility is theoretically confirmed.

© 1995 Optical Society of America