An ATM switch includes a first stage, a second stage and a third stage each of which stages includes at least one basic switch, wherein the first stage, the second stage and the third stage are connected. A pattern of light extracting deformities on at least one surface of the panel member may vary to cause light to be emitted from the panel member in a desired light output distribution. The process of separating the upper and lower sub-assembly, and of pre-washing the sub-assembly, remain the same as in the prior art. In this type of Q-mode configuration, the transmitter could enter and exit Q-mode as desired while the receiver, could, for example, continue to function as if operating normally, such as in \u201cshowtime. The armor shell is substantially concentric to the conductor.