Patent ID: 8121474

Claim:
A system configured to maintain continuity of service to a plurality of dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) passive optical networks (PONs), the system comprising: a plurality of active broadband light sources (BLSs), each providing service to a respective one or more DWDM PONs of the plurality of DWDM PONs; a standby BLS available to provide continuity of service for each of the plurality of DWDM PONs; and a monitoring device, wherein the monitoring device is configured to: detect a failure of one of the plurality of active BLSs providing service to at least one DWDM PON of the respective one or more DWDM PONs, disconnect the failed BLS from the at least one DWDM PON, and connect the standby BLS to the at least one DWDM PON, wherein the standby BLS provides service to the at least one DWDM PON once connected.