Abstract: A multiplexing process in an asynchronous transfer mode telecommunication network consists in placing a payload in a series of cells supporting the same logical channel a series of data containers supporting the same logical channel, each container including a load that is a quantity of data greater than the payload of each cell. In one preferred embodiment the payload of each container is composite. It includes conventional synchronous digital channel samples and data micropackets each of which has a label indicating a logical channel and the length of the packet. Applications include ATM telecommunication networks.

Abstract: A cell assembly device switches and assembles synchronous digital channels into asynchronous transfer mode cells supporting asynchronous logical channels. The cells are sent on asynchronous multiplex links, and the synchronous digital channels are conveyed by synchronous multiplex links organized into recurrent frames. Samples of each synchronous digital channel are represented by binary words placed in time slots occupying fixed positions in the frames.