Abstract: An add/drop node used in an optical network having two fiber paths for carrying light corresponding to a plurality of channels in opposite directions may include a pair of add/drop modules that correspond to one of the plurality of channels. This arrangement advantageously provides a simple approach for connecting the components of an add/drop node.

Abstract: A receiver transponder that is implemented in an optical add/drop multiplexer (OADM) is disclosed. The OADM is used in short haul type networks and receives light signals from two opposite directions on input fibers (21, 23). The optical input signals are converted to electrical signals by optical-to-electrical (O/E) converters (51, 53). The output terminals of the converters are connected to an electronic switch (61), which provides protection switching in a protected ring type network. The output signal of the switch can be monitored (65) before the signal enters a reshaping circuit (67), where the signal is reshaped, filtered from a supervisory channel, and adjusted to a proper drive level for a laser (69). The optical signal from the laser can travel a significant distance through a fiber (71) to a client receiver or sustain other forms of attenuation and still have sufficient signal power for reliable detection. An electrical output signal can be provided (73) by the reshaping circuit.