The present invention provides optical network methods and systems. In one example, a method for handling packets in a node coupled to a ring and star subnetwork may include (a) receiving in the given node a data packet on the ring subnetwork, (b) detecting a failure on the ring subnetwork, (c) determining a new transmission path to the destination node, and (d) sending the data packet along the new transmission path. In another example, an EPON may include (a) a root coupled to a ring and star subnetwork, (b) ONUs coupled to the root via a splitter/combiner and a first fiber link, (c) a second fiber link coupled to a subset of ONUs and the star subnetwork, and (d) a WDM coupler on the first fiber link that separates a first waveband of wavelengths from a second waveband of wavelengths and guides the first waveband to the star.