Abstract: Several nodes are connected to a ring structure by means of communication lines in a network for packet-oriented data traffic. Each node is connected to lines of the ring structure. A buffer circuit is provided between the high speed interfaces for reading a routing information on the head of a data packet. The buffer circuits are structured in such a manner that the delay time in the transit traffic is smaller than, for example, 10 .mu.s. Several users are connected at the node. A wait line circuit is provided for each user. A controller ensures the processing of the data packets in the transit, insert and extract modes.