Abstract: A switch for optically coupling a first optical channel to a selected one of a plurality of second optical channels includes a frame that defines a central passage, through which a beam coupled to the first optical channel may pass, and a plurality of peripheral passages, through which a beam coupled to a selected second optical channel may pass. A rotational object is capable of rotating about an axis. A beam redirector allows a first optical path to be optically coupled to a second optical path extending from a preselected position adjacent the peripheral area of the rotational object. A turning mechanism causes the rotational object to rotate to a position where the second optical path is in alignment with the selected one of the plurality of second optical channels.