Optically powered and controlled optical switch

A method of powering and controlling an optical switch (150), the method comprising the steps of: receiving a primary optical input signal at a port (110) of primary input optical switch; directing the primary optical input signal to an output port (190) of optical switch; and receiving a secondary optical input signal in a secondary input port (120) optical switch; characterized by directing, using a control circuit (180) coupled to a drive (140) of optical signal to electrical signal, or the signal primary optical input or the optical input signal secondary to a circuit (180) storage electric power through a converter (170) optical power to electrical power supply energy depending on the optical input signal received from an intermediate optical bypass (130 coupled to the primary optical input port.