Abstract: An optical transmission apparatus for transmission of optical signals at an optical wavelength of about 1550 nanometers. The optical transmission apparatus includes a single mode optical fiber link formed of optical fiber having substantially zero dispersion at an optical wavelength of about 1300 nanometers and a dispersion of about 17 picoseconds per nanometer-kilometer at an optical wavelength of about 1500 nanometers. Further, at least one dispersion compensating chirped optical fiber grating is coupled to the optical fiber link, the aggregate dispersion of the at least one dispersion compensating chirped optical fiber grating substantially compensating for the dispersion of the optical fiber link. Further, the at least one dispersion compensating chirped optical fiber grating is coupled at respective positions substantially symmetrically disposed about the longitudinal center of the optical fiber link.