An N port fiber optical switch includes a movable housing having a perimeter and N corners; a plurality N of optical fibers positioned within the housing and inside the perimeter; and a plurality N of actuators, wherein each actuator is positioned on a corresponding corner such that when selectively activated one or more of the actuators urges the movable housing and the plurality of optical fibers to a selected switch position. The switch provides short switching times and high power handling while allowing for a large number of ports and provides the capability of interfacing with and switching between a variable number of ports.