An optical feedback assembly includes a filter and a partial reflector that can stabilize and center the optical output of a laser on a specific wavelength region. The partial reflector, such as a half mirror, can be placed adjacent to the laser while the filter can be disposed between the partial reflector and the laser. Because of its relative location to the lasing cavity of a laser, the optical feedback assembly may be characterized as form of "external cavity feedback" for the laser. The optical feedback assembly is well suited for optical networks in general and for dense wavelength division multiplexing applications.