First and second optical fibers carry information modulated on an optical carrier. Information modulated on the carrier is to be recovered and transmitted at a first node along the first and second optical fibers. The first node includes apparatus for receiving and transmitting the information. The apparatus for receiving and transmitting the information includes a first receiver for demodulating the information modulated on the optical carrier and carried on the first optical fiber, a second receiver for demodulating the information modulated on the optical carrier and carried on the second optical fiber, a transmitter for modulating the information on the second optical fiber, and a splitter for splitting the optical carrier carried on the first optical fiber. The splitter is coupled to the first optical fiber and the first receiver. A portion of the optical carrier is coupled to the first receiver and another portion of the optical carrier continues on the first optical fiber.