Abstract:
A system and method including polarization modulation of supervisory signals for reducing interference with data signals in a wavelength division multiplexed optical communication system. At least one supervisory signal for monitoring a transmission path [102] and/or elements coupled to the transmission path [102] is fast polarization modulated and launched with data signals onto the path. Polarization modulating [402] of the supervisory signal reduces impact of the supervisory signal on the data signals and improves system performance.