A method of establishing communications in an all optical wavelength division multiplexed network. This method is used in networks built from optically connected communication devices (20, 22) that are capable of converting an optical wavelength to at least one other given optical wavelength, and/or directing a given optical wavelength through an ingress and egress port. Communication is facilitated by devices utilizing a set of given optical wavelengths from the electromagnetic spectrum as a carrier to facilitate communication. A plurality of tables (FIG. 2-4) with varying information such as availability, status, functionality, usage, capabilities, and facilities provide a reference for device resources. Communication paths are created between devices by searching the tables (FIG. 2-4) for information regarding available resources needed to create a path, and then utilizing the available resources with or without optical wavelength conversions between devices (20, 22) to construct a communication path. A hardware controller commissions and decommissions device resources as necessary.