Connection verification in optical cross-connect arrangements

Abstract

A method is provided for verifying that optical signals are properly routed between inputs and outputs of an optical cross-connect according to the prescribed routing paths defined in the cross-connect map. More specifically, optical signals are independently tagged at the cross-connect input ports with connection verification messages containing identification information. Connection verification messages can include, among other information, a message identification, incoming and outgoing wavelength information, incoming and outgoing port information, a time stamp, user verification data, and so on. At the cross-connect output ports, the messages are retrieved (and optionally removed) from the optical signals so that the identification information from the retrieved messages can be compared to the routing defined in the cross-connect map. If an optical signal is verified as not being routed according to the prescribed connection defined in the cross-connect map, then remedial action, such as tearing down the connection, can be initiated. By applying the tag to the optical signal, cross-connections can be verified in cross-connect applications employing one optical signal (i.e., wavelength) at each input and output port or applications employing a WDM signal having many optical channels of different wavelengths at each input and output port.