A unique optical self-routing switch, which uses laser mode vertical to surface transmission electrophotonic (VSTEP) devices, is proposed. This optical self-routing switch, in which the light input itself determines the output port by switching on VSTEPs, has a high internal optical gain of more than 20 dB and a wavelength filtering function. The light extinction ratio for the data signals between the on and off state is larger than 30 dB.