Signal monitoring using linear optics

A signal testing system, comprising:

• a first connector and a second connector configured to receive electrical signals relating to a device under test;
• a linear optics assembly or sub-system having one or more components connected to the first connecter and the second connector, the linear optics assembly or sub-system configured to convert the received electrical signals to optical signals;
• one or more taps configured to tap the optical signals;
• and
• test equipment configured to receive tapped optical signals from the one or more taps and perform test functionality on the tapped optical signals, wherein the test functionality includes protocol analysis.

A method for signal testing, the method comprising:

• converting a main electrical signal from a copper cable to an optical signal using a linear optics assembly or sub-system having one or more components;
• tapping a portion of the optical signal;
• converting the tapped optical signal back to an electrical signal for analysis with electrical test equipment or directly connecting the tapped optical signal for analysis with optical test equipment;
• and
• reconverting the main optical signal back to an electrical signal to complete an electrical path.