An amplifier system includes:
(i) a distributed Raman fiber amplifier adapted to amplify C and L-band
signals and;
(ii) a discrete Raman fiber amplifier module that includes a C-band
amplification stage and an L-band amplification stage. The discrete Raman
fiber amplifier module is operatively connected to the distributed Raman
fiber amplifier and amplifies signals received from the distributed Raman
fiber amplifier. In one embodiment the distributed Raman fiber amplifier
and the discrete Raman fiber amplifier share optical pump power provided
by the shared pump.