An optical network is herein described. The optical network comprises a fiber optic line, a first network element, and a second network element. The first network element comprises a first optical interface, a first processor, and a first memory storing first processor-executable instructions that cause the first processor to: activate one or more passband on the first optical interface, thereby enabling the first optical interface to transport one or more optical carrier on the one or more passband; and transmit an activation request indicative of a request to activate the one or more passband on a plurality of optical interfaces of a plurality of network elements. The second network element comprises a second optical interface, a second processor, and a second memory storing second processor-executable instructions that cause the second processor to: receive the activation request; and activate the one or more passband on the second optical interface.