Abstract: Optical and electronic mechanisms for establishing bi-directional line-of-sight optical links between neighboring nodes to maintain continuous, error-free operation of a network are disclosed. The system provides operational status indication signals for operators and for data communication devices that are attached to nodes. The system provides decision-making logic systems to reconfigure the network path instantly and automatically to a hot standby path if an optical link between neighboring nodes becomes impaired. The system operates without a central controller and at the physical level of the Open System Interconnection reference model without modification to the Medium Access Control or Logical Link Control. Operation is transparent to all common network standards.