a reduced component optical switch module includes a plurality of ports wherein each port includes an optical input and an optical output . a plurality of switchable deflectors in combination with a plurality of non - switchable deflectors can be used to establish transmission paths between pairs of ports to support traffic reciprocity . in one embodiment , the ports and switchable elements are configured so as to provide substantially constantly transmission paths within the respective module . in another embodiment , additional deflector elements can be provided to implement loop - back functionality at one or more of the ports .