A method and apparatus configured to transmit module data between optic
modules over a primary communication channel, such as an optic fiber
configured to carry network data or outgoing data. A control center may
send the module data, such as any type of DDMI data, over the optic fiber
to control one or more aspects of the optic module system. The optic
module may also be configured to send module data regarding any aspect of
module status or operation, to a control center, via the optic fiber. Use
of the primary communication channel, normally reserved for only network
data, allow for module to module communication or module to control
center communication without need of cumbersome two wire interface or
supplement channels. Optic module data communication may occur concurrent
with network data transmission. Optic module data back-up may occur via
the optic channel to provide rapid re-load of important optic module
data.