A real time fiber optic matrix switch includes at least one matrix switch port and a controller card. The controller card is configured to recognize communication protocols associated with any of the Type A-H and J signals of the Naval Tactical Data System (NTDS), and to enable the communication of information between the matrix switch and interconnected peripheral devices, as well as any interconnected matrix switches. The controller card is externally programmed by a digital logic program that multiplexes data streams of received signal types to one data stream, converts the multiplexed data stream to an optical signal, transmits the optical signal, receives the transmitted optical signal, transforms the received optical signal to an electric signal, demultiplexes the electric signal, validates the demultiplexed electric signal, and acknowledges the validated demultiplexed electric signal.