A system for automated software distribution to network elements in a fiber-optic network is disclosed. The system contacts multiplexors, which communicate with a central office, and checks the status of software stored on a plurality of firmware cards located in the multiplexor. If the software on the plurality of the firmware cards is not the same across all cards, or is not the desired version, the system automatically downloads the desired software version to the appropriate cards. The system thereafter contacts network units connected to the multiplexor and checks the status of software stored on firmware cards located in the network units. If the software on the firmware cards is not the same across all cards, or is not the desired version, the system automatically downloads the desired software version to the appropriate cards.