Abstract: The invention relates to a switch box for producing freely selectable optical connections between the LWGs of incoming optical cables and the LWGs of outgoing optical cables by means of optical shunting lines. The production of any connection is made possible in an ordered and certain way in an arrangement in which LWG groups of the incoming optical cables are connected to a first group of adjacent termination units, LWG groups of the outgoing optical cables are connected to a second group of adjacent termination units, the individual LWGs of the incoming and of the outgoing cables are connected to optical plug connector elements provided on the terminal units, the shunting lines are connected on both sides to mating connector elements, and excessive lengths of the shunting lines not required for producing a connection are stored in storage elements.