An optical switch and switching system includes a large scale switching device with a first input, a second input, a first output, and a second output. A small scale switching device includes a third input, a fourth input, and a third output, wherein the third input of the small scale switching device is coupled to the first output of the large scale switching device and the fourth input of the small scale switching device is coupled to the second output of the large scale switching device. A controller establishes a cross connect in the large scale switching device between the second input and the second output. The small scale switching device switches from the third input to the forth input upon establishment of the cross connect in the large scale switching device.