methods and apparatus are described for forward baseband digitalization . a method includes receiving a forward baseband digital optical signal from an optical fiber ; transforming the forward baseband digital optical signal to a forward analog electrical signal ; transmitting the forward analog electrical signal on an electrical conductor ; receiving a reverse analog electrical signal on the electrical conductor ; transforming the reverse analog electrical signal to a reverse digital baseband optical signal ; and transmitting the reverse digital baseband optical signal . an apparatus includes a forward baseband digital optical signal receiver ; a forward circuit coupled to the forward baseband digital optical signal receiver , the forward circuit transforming a forward baseband digital optical signal to a forward analog electrical signal ; a forward analog electrical signal transmitter coupled to the forward circuit ; a reverse analog electrical signal receiver ; a reverse circuit coupled to the reverse analog electrical signal receiver , the reverse circuit transforming a reverse analog electrical signal to a reverse digital baseband optical signal ; and a reverse baseband digital transmitter coupled to the reverse circuit .