Abstract: An optical switch for manipulating a plurality of input optical signals incident thereupon to split one or more optical signal channels from the plurality of input optical signals. The optical switch includes an optical filter having a first reflective region and a second reflective region. One of the first and the second reflective regions is adapted with a wavelength selective filter that is capable of separating one or more optical signal channels from the input optical signal. A translating mechanism cooperates with the optical filter and is adapted to translate the optical filter in a plane substantially parallel to one of the first reflective region and the second reflective region between a first position and a second position. The translation of the optical filter causes at least one of the one or more optical signal channels to be separated from the optical signal and directed in a second direction.