An approach to proving a flexible grid architecture for time and wavelength division multiplexed passive optical networks is described. One embodiment includes an optical transmitter array configured to transmit an optical signal, an optical combiner coupled to the optical transmitter array configured to receive unlocked wavelengths from the optical transmitter array and output a single optical signal, and an optical amplifier coupled to the optical combiner configured to boost downstream optical power. In some embodiments, a WDM filter is coupled to the optical amplifier, and a tunable optical network unit (ONU) coupled to the WDM filter is configured to transmit and receive the optical signals. In still other embodiments, a cyclic demultiplexer is coupled to the optical splitter and connects to an optical receiver array configured to receive optical signals.