A method of controlling a network (115) through which information is transmitted in channels (₁, ₂, . . . _n) among nodes includes: (a) providing at a node a device (108) for removing from the network (115) and replacing on the network (115) a selected one (_i) of the channels, the device (108) including a first input port from the network (115) to the node and a first output port from the node to the network (115); (b) taking a measure of the strength (P_iDROP) of the received channel (_iDROP); (c) regenerating the channel (_iIN); (d) adjusting (114) the strength (P_iADD) of the regenerated channel (_iIN) to approximate the strengths of the remaining channels ((₁, ₂, . . . _n)-_i; and (e) combining the regenerated and strength-adjusted channel (_iADD) with the remaining channels ((₁, ₂, . . . _n)-_i) at the output port. The method further or alternatively includes (f) calculating an average signal strength (P_AVERAGE) for each active channel; (g) establishing a target signal strength (P_iTARGET) for each channel; (h) determining a required change (P_i) in signal strength; and, (i) sending the node a message to adjust the strength of a signal coupled to the first output port.