A coherent optical receiver capable of receiving a multiple-wavelength optical signal comprising a series of single-band optical bursts is described. Each single-band optical burst is carried by one wavelength from among a plurality of wavelengths on a predetermined spectral band. The optical receiver can include optical generation means arranged to generate a local multiple-wavelength optical oscillator consisting of a plurality of optical lines at wavelengths corresponding to the wavelengths of the optical bursts, optical mixing means arranged to mix the optical oscillator and the optical signal in order to generate at least one mixed optical signal comprising a plurality of beats between at least one of the single-band optical bursts and the optical lines of the local multiple-wavelength optical oscillator, and a detection means to filter at least one beat between said single-band optical burst and one of the optical lines of the local multiple-wavelength optical oscillator.