Method and apparatus for transparent optical communication with two-fiber bidirectional ring with autoprotection and management of low priority traffic

The present invention relates generally to a closed-ring transparent optical communication network that provides for the protection of the principal communication channel of each supported wavelength and for the management of low priority traffic. A closed-ring transparent optical communication network that provides for protection of the principal communication channel of each supported wavelength and supports occasional traffic on a separate channel. In the case of a breakdown of or degradation in the principal channel, these communications are redirected to the occasional channel.