The optical fiber-based communication system comprises a distribution
optical fiber that extends proximately to a plurality of end users, and
tap-off modules coupled to the distribution optical fiber at intervals
along its length. Each of the tap-off modules includes a port in optical
communication with the distribution optical fiber. The optical
fiber-based communication system additionally comprises a branch optical
fiber connected to the port of each of at least some of the tap-off
modules and that extends to a corresponding one of the end users.