An optical communications apparatus is configured to be connected to first, second, and third optical cables. In a branch connecting configuration, a branch optical path is enabled so that (i) signal wavelengths received over the first cable are routed to the third cable and (ii) signal wavelengths received over the third cable are routed to the second cable. The signal wavelengths received over the third cable include at least one of the signal wavelengths routed from the first cable to the third cable and returned via a loop connection at a distal portion of the third cable. In a bypass configuration, a connection via the branch optical path to the distal portion of the third cable is bypassed so that the signal wavelengths received over the first cable are routed to the second cable without first being routed through the distal portion of the third cable.