The 2RU 8-degree mesh patch panel 5-add-drop port module is a standalone unit providing eight degrees of mesh connectivity and five add-drop ports. In contrast with the modular components described earlier, all express and add-drop connections are contained within the unit, simplifying node fibering. The connectors are MPO-8 for easy and direct interconnection to flex spectrum single-module ROADM or contentionless add-drop line cards.