Methods and apparatus for multiplexing and demultiplexing optical signals of protected optics

An optical apparatus, comprising:

• a wavelength demultiplexer configured to output a plurality of wavelengths;
• a plurality of primary optical transceivers coupled to the wavelength demultiplexer;
• one or more redundant optical transceivers coupled to the wavelength demultiplexer;
• and
• first protection optics,
• wherein the plurality of primary optical transceivers and the one or more reductant optical transceivers are coupled to the wavelength demultiplexer via the first protection optics, and
• wherein the first protection optics are configured to:
• forward the plurality of wavelengths to the plurality of primary optical transceivers;
• and
• forward a wavelength from the wavelength demultiplexer to one of the one or more redundant optical transceivers instead of one of the plurality of primary optical transceivers when the one of the plurality of primary optical transceivers fails.

A method for optical communications at an optical apparatus comprising a multiplexer, a plurality of primary optical transceivers, one or more redundant optical transceivers, and first protection optics, the method comprising:

• generating a plurality of primary wavelengths using the plurality of primary optical transceivers for output to the multiplexer;
• detecting that a primary optical transceiver of the plurality of primary optical transceivers failed;
• replacing, using the first protection optics and based on the detecting, a primary wavelength associated with the failed primary optical transceiver with a replacement wavelength from the one or more redundant optical transceivers;
• and
• outputting the replacement wavelength to the multiplexer.