Abstract: Method and apparatus of a network configuration configured to permit a dense wavelength division multiplexing (“DWDM”) element to connect to a storage server, an Internet Protocol (“IP”) router, and DWDM network are disclosed. The configuration includes the DWDM network, storage area network (“SAN”) server, IP router, and optical transport network (“OTN”) switch. While the DWDM network transports information via optical fibers, the DWDM switch is coupled to the DWDM network for transporting optical signals. The SAN server is coupled to a port of the DWDM switch and is configured to store data at a remote location. The IP router which is coupled to the DWDM switch facilitates IP traffic between a user and the DWDM network. The OTN switch, coupled to the first DWDM switch, is capable of processing at least a portion of the optical signals.