Abstract: A broadband network, such as a cable television system, includes a synchronous code generator that converts an analog signal into a digital signal and inserts a synchronous code in the digital signal. The synchronous code generator is in communication with an optical link, which transmits the digital signal. An optical performance monitor receives the digital signal from the optical link and determines performance of the optical link based on errors in the synchronous code. The optical link performance monitor includes an error detector, which detects errors in the synchronous code, and, in response thereto, signals a counter of the error. The counter accumulates the errors detected by the error detector for a period of time. A processor, which is in communication with the counter, determines the optical performance of the optical link based upon the number of errors accumulated by the counter. A user interface displays the results of the processor.

Abstract: A node (100) for a communications system includes a forward distribution amplifier within a housing (600). Plug-in modules (200,400) can be removably attached to the forward distribution amplifier within the same housing (600) to change the functionality of the node (100). For example, the plug-in module can be a reverse amplifier module (200) for adding reverse signal processing function or an optical module (400) for adding optical capabilities.

Abstract: A fiber optics communications system and method are provided. The system includes a transmitter apparatus located at a first location and having a plurality of laser transmitters and a plurality of optical switches coupling optical signals from the laser transmitters to optical fibers. A receiver apparatus is located at a second location remote from the first location and includes a plurality of receivers and a plurality of optical switches coupling optical signals from the optical fibers to the optical receivers. A first control circuit controls the switches of the transmitter apparatus in accordance with conditions at the first and the second locations. A second control circuit controls the switches of the receiver apparatus in accordance with conditions at the first and second locations. The backing up of a plurality of transmitting lasers by a single back up laser and the backing up of a plurality of receivers by a single back up receiver are also described.