Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifiers (EDFAs) must be controlled in optical networks such that the output channel powers do not vary significantly from input power variation. Common control schemes for EDFAs currently involve using linear approximation methods around equilibrium points. Heuristic methods are usually employed to switch between the various operating points. Amplified Spontaneous Emission (ASE) is usually ignored in EDFA models.In this thesis, an EDFA model with ASE is derived. A nonlinear L2 control methodology is outlined to exploit the nonlinear nature of the EDFA system. This eliminates the need for heuristics since the system is free to operate over the state space with only one controller. Furthermore, robust control techniques are utilized to allow for parameter and signal variation due to uncertainty.