A receiver transponder that is implemented in an optical add/drop multiplexer (OADM) is disclosed. The OADM is used in short haul type networks and receives light signals from two opposite directions on input fibers (21, 23). The optical input signals are converted to electrical signals by optical-to-electrical (O/E) converters (51, 53). The output terminals of the converters are connected to an electronic switch (61), which provides protection switching in a protected ring type network. The output signal of the switch can be monitored (65) before the signal enters a reshaping circuit (67), where the signal is reshaped, filtered from a supervisory channel, and adjusted to a proper drive level for a laser (69). The optical signal from the laser can travel a significant distance through a fiber (71) to a client receiver or sustain other forms of attenuation and still have sufficient signal power for reliable detection. An electrical output signal can be provided (73) by the reshaping circuit. The converters can be used to protect for one another and to detect channel signal power and a supervisory channel at electric outputs (57, 59). The laser can be a low cost type since the laser is typically used for transmitting light over only moderate distances. The electric high frequency switch is generally more reliable and can be more easily monitored than a purely optical switch.