. . "Generally, the matrix switch 102a-i (i being an integer between 1 and r, inclusive) of the network 100 is a device implemented by the combination of the group of m optical switches 125a-i and first-stage matrix switch 52a-i of the conventional network50.The matrix switches 102b-1 through 102b-r at the output side are identical in configuration with the matrix switches 102a-1 through 102a-r except" . .