Distributed Raman amplifier systems

A distributed Raman amplifier, comprising:

• a loss-measuring device optically coupled to an optical fiber transmission line and configured to measure aggregate losses arising from optical point-loss sources in the transmission line;
• a signal processing circuit communicatively coupled to the loss-measuring device and configured to compare the aggregate losses to a threshold below which a pumping light source in a distributed Raman amplifier is permitted to pump the transmission line;
• a control circuit responsive to a control signal from the signal processing circuit for controlling operation of the pumping light source;
• and
• a spool of fiber configurable to be optically coupled between the pumping light source and optical point-loss sources in the transmission line when the aggregate losses are above the threshold, the spool comprising a fiber of sufficient length to offset the aggregated losses to enable the distributed Raman amplifier to pump the transmission line.