Dispersion may be managed in a branched optical network by using
transmission segments having a single period segment dispersion map. One
or more of such segments may be coupled to network nodes such as
terminals or branching units such that dispersion may be managed even
when the network is reconfigured. In one embodiment, a single period
segment dispersion map provides dispersion compensation at the ends of
the segment. In another embodiment, a single period segment
dispersion-map provides dispersion compensation at the middle of the
segment.