Resilient packet ring protection over a wavelength division multiplexing network

Abstract

A method and system for provisioning a Resilient Packet Ring ('RPR') over a Wavelength Division Multiplexing ('WDM') network is disclosed. A plurality of stations send data packets to each other over a dual ring fiber optic link. The data packets travel over the dual ring fiber optic link at a unique wavelength to distinguish the different data packets. When one station of the plurality of stations detects a location of a failure in the WDM network, the station identifying the location of the failure either notifies all stations of the plurality of stations of the location of the failure or notifies only the stations of the plurality of stations abutting the location of the failure. If all stations of the plurality of stations are notified of the failure, all stations steer data packets sent towards the location of the failure away from the location of the failure. If only the stations abutting the location of the failure are notified, only the stations abutting the location of the failure wrap data packets sent towards the location of the failure away from the location of the failure.