A method of converting a modulated optical signal to an encoded electrical signal is provided. The method utilizes a device comprising an electrooptic sideband generator, an optical filter, and an optical/electrical converter. Initially, the modulated optical signal, which carries encoded optical data, is directed to an optical input of the electrooptic sideband generator. The electrooptic sideband generator is driven to generate frequency sidebands about a carrier frequency of the input optical signal. The optical filter is utilized to discriminate between the frequency sidebands and the carrier frequency and combine sidebands-of-interest to yield at least one frequency-converted optical signal comprising a millimeter wave modulation frequency. The frequency converted optical signal carries the encoded optical data and the modulation frequency is a function of the spacing of the sidebands-of-interest. The frequency-converted optical signal is directed to the optical/electrical converter where it is converted to an encoded electrical signal. Additional embodiments are disclosed and claimed.