A method for enabling alternating current (AC) coupling of high-speed burst data signals transmitted by an optical network unit (ONU). The method comprises generating a first data pattern to be sent to an optical transceiver through an AC coupling circuit, wherein the first data pattern is a direct current (DC) balanced pattern; generating a second data pattern to be sent to the optical transceiver through the AC coupling circuit, wherein the second data pattern is output prior to transmission of a high-speed burst data signal; and generating a third data pattern to be sent to the optical transceiver through the AC coupling circuit, wherein the third data pattern is output posterior to the transmission of the high-speed burst data signal.