WDM optical networks arranged for internetworking with packet networks

This invention relates to optical networks that use wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), and, more specifically, to internetworking of such networks with connectionless (CL) packet networks such as internet protocol (IP) networks. A connectionless packet network and an optical WDM network are interconnected by one or more optical interface modules (gateways) that include both optical to electrical interfaces, as well as a connection management module, or control element, that is arranged to control the OADM's and the configuration of lasers and port assignments within the gateways, such that a route through the optical network to a desired endpoint is selected. The OADM's can be programmed, (i.e., locally or remotely controlled by the control element) such that the wavelengths that can be added or dropped by an OADM can be changed, thereby allowing routes to be established through the optical network, from an originating gateway to a destination gateway. In addition, the optical interface modules can include a plurality tunable lasers that can be controlled such that routes can be established through the optical network without requiring changes to the routing table that associates particular endpoints with particular ports. The system can be operated in a "provisioned" mode, where connections are set up a priori (i.e., before actual traffic flow starts), or in a "switched" mode, where connections are set up on a session by session (call by call) basis. The interface modules can be integrated with the components otherwise present in conventional packet routers, or housed separately in intelligent gateways that interconnect conventional packet routers with OADM's on an optical WDM network.