Cisco Technology, Inc.

Giovanni Tandi

Gilberto Loprieno

David Bianchi

An optical system is provided that converts optical signals received over an optical trunk from a first optical switch to client optical signals intended for a second optical switch. The first and second optical switches operate in accordance with a Fiber Channel (FC) protocol. An interruption of the optical signals on the optical trunk is detected. Responsive to the interruption, a Not Operational State (NOS) message sent to the second optical switch is delayed so as to delay triggering of an FC link initialization in the second optical switch. While the NOS message is delayed, idle messages are sent to the second optical switch.

Fast recovery of fibre channel (FC) link using delayed NOS message after FC link failure

Methods and apparatus for efficiently allowing protection switch information to be communicated on bidirectional lines are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for communicating protection switch information from a first network element to a second network element across bidirectional links that include at least one working line and a protection line involves obtaining a generic framing procedure GFP frame at the first network element. The GFP frame has a payload area with a client payload field. The method also includes defining a command field associated with the GFP frame that is in the payload area but not in the client payload field, and storing protection switch information in the command field.

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Fara Gera d'Adda, Italy

Giovanni Tandi