Methods and apparatus are described for forward baseband digitalization. A method includes receiving a forward baseband digital optical signal from an optical fiber; transforming the forward baseband digital optical signal to a forward analog electrical signal; transmitting the forward analog electrical signal on an electrical conductor; receiving a reverse analog electrical signal on the electrical conductor; transforming the reverse analog electrical signal to a reverse digital baseband optical signal; and transmitting the reverse digital baseband optical signal. An apparatus includes a forward baseband digital optical signal receiver; a forward circuit coupled to the forward baseband digital optical signal receiver, the forward circuit transforming a forward baseband digital optical signal to a forward analog electrical signal; a forward analog electrical signal transmitter coupled to the forward circuit; a reverse analog electrical signal receiver; a reverse circuit coupled to the reverse analog electrical signal receiver, the reverse circuit transforming a reverse analog electrical signal to a reverse digital baseband optical signal; and a reverse baseband digital transmitter coupled to the reverse circuit.