Stephen C Alexander

US Patent:

20160080342, Mar 17, 2016

Filed:

Sep 15, 2014

Appl. No.:

14/486524

Inventors:

David Jordan KRAUSS - Centreville VA, US
Stephen B. ALEXANDER - Annapolis MD, US
Loudon Thomas BLAIR - Severna Park MD, US

Assignee:

CIENA CORPORATION - Hanover MD

International Classification:

H04L 29/06

Abstract:

A network element, configured to operate in a network to provide various network functions therein, includes a main processor communicatively coupled to a main memory, wherein the main processor is configured to perform Operations, Administration, Maintenance, and Provisioning (OAM&P) associated with the network element, wherein the main processor is accessible through one or more access techniques; and a supervisory plane comprising a secure processor and a secure memory communicatively coupled thereto, wherein the supervisory plane is separate from and communicatively coupled to the main processor and the main memory, the supervisory plane is configured to allow secure, direct access to the main processor and the main memory.