A method of combining optical signals from a plurality of optical fibers into a single optical signal includes receiving, at corresponding optical-signal receivers optically coupled to corresponding trunk fibers, respective optical signals. The method further includes determining, by the corresponding optical-signal receivers, when each respective optical signal is received. When the respective optical signal is received, the method includes performing the following steps: converting, by the corresponding optical-signal receiver, the respective optical signal to a corresponding electrical signal; transmitting, by the corresponding optical-signal receiver, the corresponding electrical signal to a corresponding input channel of an electrical-multiplexing device; and configuring the electrical-multiplexing device to select the corresponding input channel. Configuring the electrical-multiplexing device to select the corresponding input channel causes the electrical-multiplexing device to transmit the corresponding electrical signal to an electro-optical converter configured to convert the corresponding electrical signal back to the respective optical signal.