A wavelength-division multiplexing optical communication system and a method for measuring optical performance of an output signal for the system. The optical communication system includes: a service-provider device; a local node; and a plurality of subscriber devices. The service-provider device includes: a plurality of first optical transceivers; a first optical multiplexer/demultiplexer (OD/OM) connected to the plurality of first optical transceivers; and a seed-light source providing seed light. Each subscriber device includes a second optical transceiver. The local node connects the service-provider device and the plurality of subscriber devices to each other using a DWDM link comprising: a second multiplexer/demultiplexer (OD/OM); and a single-mode optical fiber for transmission. Here, the optical intensity of an output signal of the second optical transceiver is determined by compensating for the value of the loss caused when the output signal passes through the second OD/OM of the local node.

A laser light generator is configured to generate one or more wavelengths of continuous wave laser light. The laser light generator is configured to collectively and simultaneously transmit each of the wavelengths of continuous wave laser light through an optical output of the laser light generator as a laser light supply. An optical fiber is connected to receive the laser light supply from the optical output of the laser light generator. An optical distribution network has an optical input connected to receive the laser light supply from the optical fiber. The optical distribution network is configured to transmit the laser light supply to each of one or more optical transceivers and/or optical sensors. The laser light generator is physically separate from each of the one or more optical transceivers and/or optical sensors.