Hybrid wavelength-interchanging cross-connect

A hybrid wavelength-interchanging cross-connect, comprising:

• a first optical switch receiving at least one optical signal on an input path and having at least first and second output ports;
• a second optical switch having at least first and second input ports and at least one optical output;
• an optical path between said first output port of said first optical switch and said first input port of said second optical switch;
• a third optical switch receiving at least one optical signal on a second input path and having at least third and fourth output ports;
• a fourth optical switch having at least third and fourth input ports and at least one optical output;
• a second optical path between said third output port of said third optical switch and said third input ports of said fourth optical switch;
• an opto-electronic switch comprising:
• an electronic switching fabric,
• a receiver for converting respective optical signals from said second and fourth output ports of said respectively first and third optical switches to respective electronic signals, said receiver connected to said electronic switching fabric,
• a transmitter converting respective electronic signals from said electronic switching fabric to respective optical signals to be respectively provided to said second and fourth input ports of said respective second and fourth optical switch,
• an add line input receiving an electronic signal from an add line, said add line input connected to said electronic switching fabric, and
• a drop line output outputting an electronic signal to a drop line from said electronic switching fabric,
• wherein said signals of said first and second optical paths may be selectively switched.