Patent ID: 8781319

Claim:
A configurable optical communications system for point-to-point communications between a plurality of servers comprising: a plurality of servers coupled to a common midplane communications bus, wherein at least two of the plurality of servers include an optical input/output device for sending and receiving an optical signal; an optical communications pathway configured to carry the optical signal; at least two pivotable mirrors located within the optical pathway and in-line with the optical input/output devices; and pins selectably insertable into the optical pathway to contact and move corresponding mirrors from a neutral position, in which the corresponding mirror allows the optical signal pass by that mirror along the optical pathway, to an active position, in which the corresponding mirror directs the optical signal into or out of the optical pathway; wherein the pivotable mirrors moved by the pins are selectively orientated to direct the optical signal between the optical input/output devices and establish point-to-point communication between the at least two of the plurality of servers.