An optical communication system comprising plural optical communication paths,
a passive optical coupler, and at least one optical node. The passive optical coupler
has a plurality of inputs coupled through the passive optical coupler to an output
of the passive optical coupler, and each input is coupled in a corresponding one
of the optical communication paths. Each optical node comprises plural optical
line terminals, each of which is interposed in a corresponding at least one of
the optical communication paths. Each optical line terminal is operable to either
(a) substantially prevent an optical signal propagating in that corresponding at
least one optical communication path from reaching a corresponding input of the
passive optical coupler through the at least one optical communication path, or
(b) permit the optical signal to propagate in that corresponding at least one optical
communication path towards the corresponding input of the passive optical coupler.
