The present invention relates to an optical level control method for use in an optical
transmission system. In the
system, a WDM terminal comprises a
multiplexing / demultiplexing unit, an
amplifier, an up-direction OSC light transmitting / receiving unit, an up-direction
multiplexer, an up-direction branching unit, an
amplifier and an APR
control unit, and a
repeater comprises an up-direction branching unit, an OSC light transmitting / receiving unit, an
amplifier, an up-direction
multiplexer, a down-direction branching unit, an amplifier, a down-direction
multiplexer and an APR
control unit. In this configuration, a flexible optical output level control in connection with variation in WDM
light level, a selective value irrespective of occurrence of an error
stemming from the passage of time and avoidable malfunctions are respectively capable. In addition, a trouble retrieving operator can eliminate the possibility of being exposed to the WDM light.