System to optimize received power at an input to a component in a network element that forms part of an optical network. The system includes a graphical user interface (GUI) that guides an installer to allow optimal setting for a variable optical attenuator (VOA) to be determined, thereby using the VOA to optimize the received power at the component. Power parameters are determined for each card in a signal path from the VOA to the input, and as part of the GUI, the system provides a display of calculated and received power to the user, thereby allowing the user to determine the optimal power setting.