An optical conversion device for a shared FTTH distribution network
including first and second optical fibers and an optical processing
circuit. The optical processing circuit has an input for receiving a
first optical analog signal carried by the first optical fiber and an
output for providing a first optical digital signal for transmission via
the second optical fiber. The optical processing circuit is configured to
digitize the first optical analog signal and incorporate into the first
optical digital signal. The optical analog signal may be an optical
signal which is modulated by an RF signal, which is the same or similar
to that of existing HFC networks. High loss electrical signals are
converted to low-loss optical signals propagated within the optical
plant. The combined optical analog and digital protocol supports
analogous communications of existing HFC networks and the optical plant
minimizes cost of fiber optic upgrade.