Abstract: A DCR telecommunications network comprises a plurality of network switching elements interconnected by circuit groups for carrying calls, and a network processor communicating with the network elements. If it cannot use a direct route to a neighbouring network element, the switching element may access a routing table containing alternate routes which are updated periodically by the network controller. The network functions as a group of nodes interconnected by links. Routing takes place on a node-to-node basis. At least one of the nodes is a virtual destination node, vis. a logical entity corresponding to a group of two or more components which are network elements. A link to the virtual destination node is a set of circuit groups connecting to its components. Final destinations outside the network can be associated with the virtual destination node as an intermediate destination node, thereby allowing a call to exit the DCR network via any of the components rather than via only one Unique Exit Gateway.