Abstract: A reversible optical switch which allows a node to be inserted into or removed from a fiber optic network is disclosed. In a first state, the switch of the present invention provides a path between an incoming optical fiber and the node receiver and a path between the node transmitter and an outgoing optical fiber. In a second state, the switch connects the incoming and outgoing fibers, so that the network bypasses the node and connects the transmitter and receiver so that the bypassed node can be tested.

Abstract: An optical switch for switching the light output of one optical fiber into another optical fiber is disclosed. The optical switch includes an imaging system having a symmetry such as a spherical reflector. The switch also includes a group of optical fiber end faces including a first optical fiber end face via which light is transmitted to the imaging system and second and third fiber end faces. A translation mechanism is provided for linearly translating the group of fiber end faces and imaging system relative to one another between a first position in which the light from the first fiber end face is imaged by the imaging system into the second fiber end face and a second position in which light from the first fiber end face is imaged by the imaging system into the third fiber end face. The switch may be used to selectively remove a node from a fiber optic network having a ring like configuration.