Distributed raman amplifier systems

A method of operating a Raman amplifier system, comprising:

• measuring aggregate losses in the Raman amplifier system;
• comparing the aggregate losses to a threshold below which a Raman amplifier is permitted to pump a transmission line;
• and
• if the aggregate losses are above the threshold, employing a length of fiber to couple the Raman amplifier to at least one optical point-loss source, wherein employing the length of fiber comprises configuring the length of fiber to offset the aggregated losses, arising from the at least one optical point-loss source, for enabling the Raman amplifier to pump the transmission line.

A computer-readable non-transitory storage medium carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause an apparatus to at least:

• measure aggregate losses in a Raman amplifier system;
• compare the aggregate losses to a threshold below which a Raman amplifier is permitted to pump a transmission line;
• and
• if the aggregate losses are above the threshold, employ a length of fiber to couple the Raman amplifier to at least one optical point-loss source, wherein employing the length of fiber comprises configuring the length of fiber to offset the aggregated losses, arising from the at least one optical point-loss source, for enabling the Raman amplifier to pump the transmission line.