A system for transmitting data packets over a network. The system includes a plurality of first nodes, wherein each first node has a first transceiver configured to transmit a data packet at at least one of a plurality of first wavelengths and receive a data packet at an assigned first wavelength, wherein each first node is configured to pass incoming data packets not transmitted at the assigned first wavelength, a plurality of second nodes, wherein each second node has a second transceiver configured to transmit a data packet at least one of a plurality of second wavelengths and receive a data packet at an assigned second wavelength, wherein each second node is configured to pass incoming data packets not transmitted at the assigned second wavelength, and at least one optical fiber operably connecting the transceivers.