A technique for processing dense wavelength division multiplexed optical signals in a network node (10) is disclosed. In one embodiment, the technique is realized as an optical power managed network node (10) comprising a dense wavelength division multiplexing device (18) for combining a plurality of narrowband optical signals into a multiplexed polychromatic optical signal. The optical power managed network node (10) also comprises a wavelength-selective optical power detector (22) for detecting the power of each of the plurality of narrowband optical signals combined into the multiplexed polychromatic optical signal. The optical power managed network node (10) further comprises a plurality of attenuators (16) for attenuating the power of at least one of the plurality of narrowband optical signals based upon the detected power of each of the plurality of narrowband optical signals.
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