One embodiment of the invention relates to producing optical pulses for use on a transmission link. A light source (100) is configured to produce an optical signal. A pulse generators (110) is coupled to the light source. The pulse generator is configured to receive, for a first channel, the optical signal and a clock signal. The pulse generator is also configured to modify the optical signal based on the clock signal to produce an optical pulse having a predetermined pulse shap. The clock signal is associated with the predetermined pulse shape. The predetermined pulse shape being based on a transmission characteristic of the transmission link.
