An Optical Wavelength Selective Switch, an Optical Network Node, an Optical Network and Methods Therein

A method in an optical Wavelength Selective Switch (WSS) for multidirectional switching of optical signals, wherein the optical WSS comprises a reflective element, a first tributary port and a second tributary port, the method comprising:

• switching an optical signal between the first tributary port and the second tributary port with the reflective element.

An optical Wavelength Selective Switch (WSS) for multidirectional switching of optical signals, wherein the optical WSS comprises a reflective element, a first tributary port and a second tributary port, the optical WSS is configured to:

• switch an optical signal between the first tributary port and the second tributary port with the reflective element.

An optical network node for multidirectional switching of optical signals in a communications network, the optical network node comprising one or more optical WSSs, wherein the optical WSSs each comprise a reflective element, a first tributary port and a second tributary port and each are configured to:

• switch an optical signal between the first tributary port and the second tributary port with the reflective element.

An optical network comprising at least a first service node, a second service node, a client node, a first optical access ring, a second optical access ring, and an optical network node for multidirectional switching of optical signals in a communications network, the optical network node comprising one or more optical WSSs, wherein the optical WSSs comprise a reflective element, a first tributary port and a second tributary port and each WSS is configured to switch an optical signal between the first tributary port and the second tributary port with the reflective element, wherein the optical network node is connected to the first optical access ring and the second optical access ring, wherein the first service node is connected to the first optical access ring, wherein the client node is connected to the second optical access ring, wherein the second service node is connected to any other part of the optical network, and wherein the optical network node is configured to:

• route a first optical signal on a first wavelength band between the first service node and the client node;
• and
• route a second optical signal on a second wavelength band between the first service node and the second service node.