An optical communication system can increase a minimum optical reception
level or the number of connectable optical receivers by controlling
optical output levels of its optical transmitter. The optical
communication system includes the optical transmitter having an optical
variable splitting controller for splitting received light into N parts
and supplies them to N optical fibers, and N optical receivers for
receiving the signals sent via the N optical fibers. The optical variable
splitting controller regulates its optical output levels to be supplied
to the N optical fibers by controlling the optical coupling ratios. For
example, the optical variable splitting controller may regulate its
optical output levels by controlling its optical coupling ratios such
that optical reception levels become equal for all the N optical
receivers.