Operation Mechanism: Mechanical, MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems), Liquid Crystal, or Thermo-Optic. Port Count: 1x2, 2x2, NxN configurations. Application Scope: Core Network, Access Network, Data. Optical switches are crucial components in modern optical systems and networks, enabling the routing of optical signals between different paths. switching with no moving parts) can use devices based upon electro-optic materials such as lithium niobate (LiNbO 3). An electro-optic material is one whose refractive index changes significantly when an electric field is applied across it. Figure 23 shows a 2 ×.