Transmissive WSS-based mesh nodes of degree N, N.gtoreq.3, includes N node port apparatuses connected to provide a multiple wavelength channel signal with reciprocal connectivity between the N node ports. Each node port apparatus has an input port and N-1 output ports and comprises either (1) a coupler connected to said input port and having N-1 outputs, (2) a transmissive 1.times.(N-1) WSS connected to said input port and responsive to a control signal C for establishing a switching connection to one of its N-1 outputs, or (3) a coupler connected to said input port and having X+1 outputs including one output connected to an input of a transmissive 1.times.Y WSS having Y outputs, where X+Y equals N-1, the sum of the remaining X outputs of the coupler and the Y outputs of the transmissive 1.times.Y WSS being the N-1 output ports of the node port apparatus. Each of the N-1 output ports from each node port apparatus is connected to a different output port of each of the other N-1 node port apparatuses such that a connection made from one input port of a node port apparatus to an input port of a different node port apparatus always passes through only one WSS and at least one coupler, the connection being established in response to a control signal applied to said one WSS.