Optical cross-connect for optional interconnection of communication signals of different multiplex levels

An optical cross-connect (OCX), which is designed for the switching of so-called Optical Channels of different multiplex levels with respectively defined bit rates, has a number of input/output ports (I/O) which are respectively adapted to transmit and receive communication signals of a particular multiplex level, and a switching matrix (S) which is connected to the input/output ports (I/O). The switching matrix (S) is a space switching matrix which is transparent for communication signals of all multiplex levels. In order to provide the interface between the individual multiplex levels, the cross-connect (OCX) has at least one multiplexer (MUX), which is also connected to the switching matrix (S). This multiplexer (MUX) is adapted to multiplex a number of communication signals of a lower multiplex level that are received from the switching matrix (S), so as to form a communication signal of a higher multiplex level, and return this to the switching matrix (S), as well as to demultiplex a communication signal of a higher multiplex level that is received from the switching matrix (S), so as to form a number of communication signals of a lower multiplex level, and return these individually to the switching matrix (S).