Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for switching signals between optical fibers. Upon receiving a plurality of optical input signals, the system divides each of the optical input signals into N input slices, wherein each input slice carries 1/Nth of the data for a given input signal. Next, the system distributes the N input slices to N switching circuits. This allows the N input slices to be switched in parallel to N corresponding output slices. Next, the system forms a plurality of optical output signals, wherein a given optical output signal is formed by receiving N output slices from the N switching circuits, and splicing the N output slices together to form the given optical output signal.

Abstract: On embodiment of the present invention provides a system for switching wavelength-division-multiplexed (WDM) optical signals. This system operates by receiving a plurality of optical input signals, and performing wavelength-division demultiplexing on each of the plurality of optical input signals to produce wavelength-specific input signals. These wavelength-specific input signals are grouped into a plurality of wave groups, wherein each wave group can include wavelength-specific input signals for more than one wavelength. The system then feeds these wavelength-specific input signals into a plurality of non-blocking switches, so that each non-blocking switch receives wavelength-specific input signals belonging to a specific wave group. Next, the system switches the wavelength-specific input signals within the plurality of non-blocking switches to produce wavelength-specific output signals that also belong to specific wave groups.