In this work Erbium Fiber-Doped Amplifiers (EDFAs) cascades in Wavelength Division Multiplexed optical networks (WDMs) are studied. Computer numerical models are developed and implemented in order to study the effect of the EDFA channel number variation in the performance of optical networks submitted to channels add/drop function. Initially, steady state conditions are considered. Then, a WDM amplifier configuration formed by EDFAs, power compensators and optical filters is developed. This configuration - which is a novel one - has shown to be robust and to offer a good performance, in regard to the variable load of the transported channels in WDM network links. In order to obtain a more detailed study of power transients in cascades of EDFA, two dynamic computer models of these amplifiers are implemented: (i) - a simple one, that neglects the amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) and; (ii) - a second one, which rigorously consider all noise-derived effects in an EDFA cascade. In order to achieve power transients control, several compensation techniques are studied and implemented. A comparative analysis, concerning the efficiency of the above mentioned compensation techniques is carried out. Advantages and limitations of two dynamic introduced models were also evaluated, as well the control techniques of power transients in EDFA cascades.