A light branching/inserting apparatus which can easily control light signal wavelengths, and which can branch, insert or transmit light signals having an optional wavelength and optional multiplexed number, by using a wavelength selection filter utilizing acousto-optic effects. The apparatus comprises; an ADM node section 10 which has an AOTF 11 with four ports as a wavelength selection filter and is connected to a transmission path, an RF signal generator 20 which generates an RF signal of an optional frequency and applies the signal to the AOTF 11, a selected wavelength-variable light branching section 30 which receives and processes the light signal output from the branching port of the AOTF 11 for each wavelength, a light inserting section 40 which generates an optional number of insertion light signals with optional wavelengths and sends the insertion light signals to an insertion port of the AOTF 11, and a monitoring section 50 which monitors the spectrum of the light signal input/output to/from the ADM node section 10.