Abstract: A line card for supporting both circuit switching and packet switching is provided. The line card interfaces asynchronous communications and synchronous communications using a ATM switch and a Synchronous to Asynchronous Converter-Time Slot Interchange (SAC-TSI) that allows TDM traffic to be routed into the ATM fabric of the ATM switch. The line card supports video, voice and data communications. The line card further supports ATM, ethernet and frame relay communications.

Abstract: A hardware configuration, a general packet radio services support node (GSN) and method for implementing general packet radio services over a global system for mobile communications network is provided. The hardware configuration comprises a plurality of electronic boards which provide the GPRS functionality. An internal bus, preferably CPCI, provides intra-configuration communications while a ATM bus provides communications to an external circuit. The GSN comprises a single board computer for providing general packet radio services functionality which is required for each call being serviced and a line card processor for providing general packet radio services functionality which is required for each packet being serviced. The GSN may function as a SGSN, GGSN or both.