Optical data distribution network with listen-while-talk capabilities

An optical data distribution network including a plurality of drops and means for distributing optical data signals to said plurality of drops, each drop having listen-while-talk capability, each drop comprising:

• an optical signal directional coupler;
• an optical transmitter, coupled to said directional coupler, for transmitting optical signals thereto;
• a first optical receiver, coupled to said directional coupler, for receiving optical signals therefrom;
• a single length of optical fiber for propagating transmit and receive optical signals between said directional coupler and said distributing means, said directional coupler operative to direct said transmit optical signals from said optical transmitter to said single length of optical fiber and to direct said receive optical signals from said single length of optical fiber to said first optical receiver;
• a second optical receiver, coupled to said directional coupler, for receiving optical signals transmitted by said optical transmitter as directed to said second optical receiver by said directional coupler, thereby providing listen-while-talk capability;
• and
• means for selecting between said first and second optical receivers to choose a receive signal therefrom.