A method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving power over optical fiber is disclosed. In particular, a power over fiber system in which an optical network transmits electrical power via an optical signal and is also transmits data within the optical network as well. The optical signals include a high frequency data portion that includes the data to be transmitted, and either a constant or low frequency power signal portion. The optical signal is received and converted into an electrical signal by a photodetector/photodiode that is electrically filtered to separate the data signal from the power signal. The data signal is then processed using known techniques. The power signal can be conditioned and/or regulated, if necessary, and provided either directly to a terminal piece of equipment to provide all the required power thereto, or may be combined with locally provided power to contribute at least a portion of the power required by the equipment. The terminal piece of equipment may be a wireless access point.