The electronic-to-optical multiplexer takes n electronic inputs X.sub.i where i=0 to n-1; converts X.sub.i into optical signals Y.sub.i each with a different wavelength; wavelength multiplexes Y.sub.i; samples Y.sub.i with an optical frame sync signal having a period of n*p seconds and a pulse width w; wavelength demultiplexes Y.sub.i; staggers Y.sub.i by i*p seconds; wavelength multiplexes Y.sub.i; gates an optical clock signal with Y.sub.i; and uses the gated optical clock signal as the optical output.The optical-to-electronic demultiplexer takes n optical sources Z.sub.i each with a different wavelength; wavelength multiplexes Z.sub.i; gates Z.sub.i with the input of the optical-to-electronic demultiplexer; wavelength demultiplexes Z.sub.i; staggers Z.sub.i by (n-i)*p seconds; wavelength multiplexes Z.sub.i; gates Z.sub.i with the frame sync signal delayed by (n-1)*p seconds; wavelength demultiplexes Z.sub.i; detects Z.sub.i with detectors DECT.sub.i; and uses the output of DECT.sub.i as the electronic outputs.