Patent ID: 7123834

Claim:
A method for equalizing and optimizing performance of channels in a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) system comprising a plurality of transmitters for outputting signals on the channels, a network monitor for controlling the transmitters, at least one amplifier for amplifying the signals, and a plurality of receivers for receiving the signals, wherein the channels comprise traffic channels and loading channels, the method comprising the steps: measuring a full spectral power at an input of the amplifier; setting power levels of the traffic channels to a first power level; setting power levels of the loading channels to a second power level which is greater than the first power level; incrementally increasing the power levels of the traffic channels while incrementally decreasing the power levels of the loading channels so that the full spectral power remains at a constant level; and stopping the incremental increasing of the power level of a traffic channel upon reception of a lock signal from a receiver corresponding to the traffic channel or when a received signal of the traffic channel is compliant with the customer requirement.