A method includes establishing an extended optical spectrum having multiple channels for transmission of signals within an optical network. The extended optical spectrum includes at least the C-band (i.e., 1530 nm to 1565 nm) plus one or more sub-bands each having a range of wavelengths including at least one optical channel outside the range of the C-band. The method also includes segmenting the extended optical spectrum into a local band and an express band having different transmission specifications. The local band is configured for transmission of signals between nodes having a relatively shorter distance therebetween and the express band is configured for transmission of signals between nodes having a relatively longer distance therebetween. A combination of the sub-bands covers less than the L-band having a range of wavelengths from 1565 nm to 1625 nm and/or less than the S-band having a range of wavelengths from 1460 nm to 1530 nm.