Abstract: A branching unit for an optical system includes an optical add-drop multiplexer, which includes first and second filters. The first filter is configured to filter a first band of wavelengths of a communication spectrum for a first communication segment. The second filter is configured to filter a second band of wavelengths of the communication spectrum for a second communication segment. The second band of wavelengths overlaps the first band of wavelengths in an overlap band of wavelengths with no guard band between the first band of wavelengths and the second band of wavelengths. Moreover, the overlap band of wavelengths has a variable size. The first band of wavelengths includes a first fraction of the overlap band of wavelengths for the first communication segment and the second band of wavelengths includes a remaining fraction of the overlap band of wavelengths for the second communication segment.

Abstract: A branching unit for an optical system includes an optical add-drop multiplexer, which includes first and second filters. The first filter is configured to filter a first band of wavelengths of a communication spectrum for a first communication segment. The second filter is configured to filter a second band of wavelengths of the communication spectrum for a second communication segment. The second band of wavelengths overlaps the first band of wavelengths in an overlap band of wavelengths with no guard band between the first band of wavelengths and the second band of wavelengths. Moreover, the overlap band of wavelengths has a variable size. The first band of wavelengths includes a first fraction of the overlap band of wavelengths for the first communication segment and the second band of wavelengths includes a remaining fraction of the overlap band of wavelengths for the second communication segment.

Abstract: An optical system for a locally powered optical communication network includes a first trunk terminal emitting an optical signal, a second trunk terminal receiving the optical signal, a communication trunk, an intermediate unit and a power source. The communication trunk is disposed along a floor of a body of water and couples the first trunk terminal to the second trunk terminal. The communication trunk transmits the optical signal from the first trunk terminal to the second trunk terminal. The intermediate unit is connected to the communication trunk between the first and second trunk terminals. The intermediate unit receives the emitted optical signal from the first trunk terminal, amplifies the received optical signal and sends the amplified optical signal to the second trunk. The power source is connected to and powers the intermediate unit and is located at or near a surface of the body of water.

Abstract: An optical system for a locally powered optical communication network includes a first trunk terminal emitting an optical signal, a second trunk terminal receiving the optical signal, a communication trunk, an intermediate unit and a power source. The communication trunk is disposed along a floor of a body of water and couples the first trunk terminal to the second trunk terminal. The communication trunk transmits the optical signal from the first trunk terminal to the second trunk terminal. The intermediate unit is connected to the communication trunk between the first and second trunk terminals. The intermediate unit receives the emitted optical signal from the first trunk terminal, amplifies the received optical signal and sends the amplified optical signal to the second trunk. The power source is connected to and powers the intermediate unit and is located at or near a surface of the body of water.