The present invention provides integrated framing in pluggable optical transceivers to extend the OTN framework into metro, regional, and core applications. Additionally, the present invention provides integrated FEC and
optical layer OAM&P features into pluggable optical transceivers. This integration is done with existing pluggable transceivers defined by MSAs such as, but not limited to, XFP, XPAK, XENPAK, X2, XFP-E, and SFP+. Further, the present invention can be extended to new, emerging pluggable
transceiver standards and specifications. The integration of framing, FEC, and
optical layer OAM&P is done so that the pluggable
transceiver preserves the specifications in the MSAs. This allows systems designed for existing pluggable transceivers to realize carrier-grade, robust performance without needed additional equipment such as transponders and without redesigning host equipment such as the
line card to support new specifications.