Abstract: An agile network is provided with a layered control system for maintaining a network-wide target performance parameter (e.g. power) along all end-to-end connections. A connection is controlled at the physical layer using optical control loops that have a concatenated response based on a set of loop time constants. The network is separated into gain based span loops and power based switch loops; each link has a gain profile, and requires a per-wavelength power target as the output power target for the switch loop at the start of the link. Use of achievable gain for the span loops allow to optimize the performance of the link. Use of individual achievable power targets allows each switch loop to autonomously ramp on and off channels without causing interference with existing and other ramping channels. A loop control uses a model-based rules block, to distribute control signals to an optical section encompassing a plurality of optical components.