Abstract: An optical switching node and method for operating same is disclosed. If a signal received over an optical fiber is destined for the switching node at which the signal is received, the signal is processed conventionally. If there is a signal on the fiber that is destined for a different optical switching node, then a node controller will determine whether that signal requires equalization and/or regeneration. A network manager instructs the node controller whether the signal requires wavelength conversion. In accordance with the invention, if the optical signal on the fiber is destined for a different optical switching node and requires none of equalization, regeneration and wavelength conversion, the optical signal remains in the optical domain and is switched directly to an appropriate output fiber.