A fiber optic transceiver capable of bi-directional communication comprises an incoming optical (downlink) signal, a detector comprising a detecting surface configured to detect a detected portion of the incoming optical signal that strikes the detecting surface, and a light modulator for modulating a reflected (uplink) signal. The reflected signal comprises a reflected portion of the incoming signal. The light modulator comprises a controllable reflection member for modulating the reflected signal, and a controller configured to control the controllable reflection member. The controllable reflection member implements micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology wherein micro-reflective surfaces are physically positioned or oriented by the control signal, thereby affecting reflection and diffraction in such a way as to modulate the intensity of light entering an uplink channel.