Method and an amplifier unit for the transmission of data signals via an optical fiber

An apparatus for transmitting signals over a fiber link, comprising:

• means for receiving a plurality of data signals;
• means for generating a plurality of first control and monitor signals;
• means for combining the plurality of control and monitor signals with the plurality of data signals;
• means for converting the combined control and monitor signals and data signals into a first plurality of optical signals;
• means for generating a plurality of second control and monitor signals;
• means for inserting the plurality of second control and monitoring signals into the first plurality of optical signals.

An apparatus for transmitting signals over an optical fiber link, comprising:

• a control unit operable to generate a plurality of first control and monitor signals and a plurality of second control and monitor signals;
• a multiplexer operable to receive a plurality of data signals, the multiplexer operable to combine the plurality of first control and monitor signals with the plurality of data signals;
• a first optical transmitter unit operable to convert the combined plurality of first control and monitor signals and plurality of data signals into a first plurality of optical signals;
• a second optical transmitter unit operable to convert the plurality of second control and monitor signals into a second plurality of optical signals;
• an optical wavelength multiplexer operable to combine the first plurality of optical signals and the second plurality of optical signals into a third plurality of optical signals.

An apparatus for transmitting signals over an optical fiber link, comprising:

• a control unit operable to generate a plurality of first control and monitor signals and a plurality of second control and monitor signals;
• a multiplexer operable to receive a plurality of data signals, the multiplexer operable to combine the plurality of first control and monitor signals with the plurality of data signals;
• a modulator operable to generate a modulating signal in response to the plurality of second control and monitor signals;
• an optical transmitter unit operable to convert the combined plurality of first control and monitor signals and plurality of data signals into a plurality of optical signals, the optical transmitter unit operable to modulate the plurality of optical signals according to the modulating signal.