Strictly non-blocking optical switch core having optimized switching architecture based on reciprocity conditions

A switch core is set forth that comprises a plurality of duplex switches that are interconnected with an interconnection fabric to implement, for example, strictly non-blocking operation of the switch core for reciprocal traffic. In one embodiment, an N-way reciprocal switch is implemented. The N-way reciprocal switch comprises a plurality of duplex switches numbering N of at least a 1x(N-1) switch type (e.g., the duplex switches have at least N-1 ports available for connection to implement the interconnection fabric). The interconnection fabric interconnects the plurality of duplex switches so that each duplex switch is connected to every other duplex switch used in the interconnection fabric by a single connection. A similar architecture using switches numbering N of at least a 1xN switch type is also set forth. Still further, a plurality of duplex switches are used to implement an (n,m)-way switch that, in turn, can be used to construct a recursive LM-way switch core and/or recursively expand an existing Clos switch core.