1. A network node, comprising: a switching element; a plurality of modules, each of the plurality of modules having a corresponding one of a plurality of module types, each of the plurality of modules including an optical-electrical interface to convert optical signals to corresponding electrical signals, the plurality of modules supplying the electrical signals to the switching element; a plurality of sensors, each of which being configured to sense the plurality of module types; and a control element coupled to each of the plurality of modules and the switching element, said control element being configured to identify each of a plurality of paths based on the sensed plurality of module types, such that the plurality of paths extending from the first plurality of modules to the second plurality of modules via the switching element, the plurality of paths carrying traffic associated with optical signals.