Abstract: The optical coupling in a cross connect switch is optimized through control of multi-variables using real time, real process data collection and true peak estimate function. Stored nominal values are used in determining initial peak value estimates, which are delivered to the real process variable elements as initial command values. Real time mapping and evaluation functions are performed on known or collected data sets from the real process and an estimate of the true optimal system values is made from the functional outputs. New optimized system command values are generated from the relevant peak estimate and delivered to the real process variable elements. The process can be iterated until optimization is achieved, or can be iterated indefinitely in order to constantly maintain a desired level of system optimization. Conversely, a trial-and-error searching technique may be used to determine the values of the variable elements required for optimization.