Abstract: A packet switch has a switching architecture comprising a cross network of input and output switching links crossing each other. The output switching links form a number of tree structures, which each includes an upper buffering level, which includes a number of intermediate storing buffers for packets entering on the input links, and a lower buffering level with at least one output buffer connected for reception of the contents in at least two of the intermediate storing buffers of the upper buffering level, and the output of which forms an output of its respective output switching link.

Abstract: In a packet switch, which is intended for packets of constant length, and which, between switch ports, is divided into a number of nodes (12) and transmission links (14), where the nodes carry out space selection and the transmission links offer point-to-point transmission between the nodes, link grouping is carded out. More particularly, from multiple parallel physical links coming in the switch, link groups are produced, each in the form of a logical link with a bandwidth that is the sum of the bandwidths of the physical links included in the link group, said logical link being restored to outgoing parallel physical links from the switch. One or more link protocols (G1,G2) are used according to which a label in the packet's header is made to describe a route that holds together the grouped links through the entire switch, such that bits in the label describing the route over a certain transmission link are the same for packets belonging to the same link group.