Optical switching apparatus for use in an optical communication system

An optical switching apparatus comprising:

• (a) first and second optical inlets and first and second optical outlets, arranged in parallel;
• (b) reflecting means having four reflectors, said reflectors being spaced apart from first ends of said first and second optical inlets and outlets;
• and
• (c) a switch for moving said reflecting means between a first arrangement where said reflecting means reflects light from said first and second inlets into said first and second outlets, respectively, and a second arrangement where said reflecting means reflects light from said first and second inlets into said second and first outlets, respectively.

An optical switching apparatus comprising:

• (a) four optical paths, including first and second optical inlets and first and second optical outlets, arranged in parallel;
• (b) a movable member spaced apart from first ends of said first and second optical inlets and outlets, said movable member including two neighboring large reflective surfaces and four neighboring small reflective surfaces, said two neighboring large reflecting surfaces being arranged in an L form defining a right angle therebetween, said four small reflective surfaces being arranged in a zigzag fashion defining a right angle therebetween;
• and
• (c) a mechanism which moves said movable member between a first state where light from said first and second optical inlets is reflected by said large reflective surfaces into said first and second optical outlets and a second state where light from said first and second optical inlets is reflected by said small reflective surfaces into said first and second optical outlets.