A novel optical cross connection named limited wavelength conversion wavelength interchangeable cross connection (L-WIXC) is proposed to improve the conflict resolution and decrease the cost. The optical architecture and network control system of L-WIXC as well as corresponding control algorithm are described. By means of comparing congestion properties of several different OXC structures and different signaling protocols, it can be concluded that the congestion of L-WIXC is lower, and L-WIXC with JET protocol has better congestion probability than that with JIT protocol. A simulation platform is also built for testing the performance of L-WIXC. The tests are done and analyzed for single L-WIXC node, serial links with L-WIXC and mesh links with L-WIXC by simulating the optical power, crosstalk, BER and eye diagram. The results show that L-WIXC has satisfying performance for applying in optical switching networks, especially in optical burst switching network.