System and method for transmitting packets over a long-haul optical network

Abstract

Packets are received at a first boundary node of a long haul optical communication network which may either interconnect originating and destination communication networks or form an integral part of a single end-to-end network. Packets are reclassified to reflect a higher priority of transmission than non-long haul bound packets, as by marking them with an indication of a modified priority level of transmission. Reclassified packets are transmitted over a long-haul optical link to a second boundary node. So that the modified priority level employed in the long-haul network may be understood by a destination network, packets arriving at the second boundary node may be re-mapped or reclassified to a value recognized as being of at least equal and, preferably, higher priority than that originally established by the originating network and/or first bounary node. Using a substantially equal priority value in the reclassification establishes at least a consistent, end-to-end quality of service for each packet that has traversed the long haul portion of a communications network. More efficient use of transmission resources is realized by associating a higher priority with packets that have traversed the long haul portion of the network, each packet increasing in value as it nears the ultimate destination. Essentially, the reclassification decreases the likelihood that a packet, having made such substantial progress as to have traversed the length of the long haul portion of the network, will be dropped prior to reaching its destination and require re-transmission.