Communication systems include network nodes that distribute an electrical or optical base signal to remote nodes for modulation at the remotes nodes. A first waveguide is coupled to transmit data to a corresponding remote node, a second waveguide is coupled to receive remotely modulated data from the remote node, and a third waveguide is coupled to deliver the base signal to the remote node. Typically, the base signal is an optical signal from a laser diode, and optical fibers communicate modulated data signals and the base signal. A portion of the base signal can also be modulated for communication with remote nodes.