A node is configured to receive first optical channel data unit (ODU) signals; encapsulate the first ODU signals into a second ODU signal; distribute data of the second ODU signal to a group of third ODU signals; encapsulate each of the third ODU signals into a respective optical channel transport unit (OTU) signal; and transmit each of the OTU signals on a respective optical channel of a group of optical channels. Each optical channel, of the group of optical channels, has a corresponding one of group of wavelengths. The data of the second ODU signal is carried by the group of optical channels.