A optical switch and switching system is provided for effecting a switchover from a first optical fiber to a second optical fiber includes a first, large scale switching component and a second, small scale switching component. The first, large scale switching component is configured to establish a cross connect between the second optical fiber and the second, small scale switching component. The second, small scale switching component may then be configured to select the cross connect following establishment of the cross connect, thereby ensuring rapid switchover from the first fiber to the second fiber, regardless of the speed of the first large scale switching component.