Abstract: A router for routing a datagram comprising at least one input operative to accept a single stream of data; a plurality of outputs, each output operative to transmit a single stream of data; and a processor. The processor operative to read destination information from a datagram provided via a communicated input, determine which communicated output will advance the read datagram toward the destination indicted in the datagram, and direct the read datagram to a communicated output determined to advance the read datagram toward the read datagram's destination. The router operates without deconstructing the data portion of the datagram.

Abstract: An asynchronous data pipe (ADP) automatically generates transactions necessary to complete asynchronous data transfer operations for an application over a bus structure. The ADP includes a register file which is programmed and initiated by the application. The register file includes the bus speed, transaction label transaction code, destination node identifier, destination offset address, length of each data packet, packet counter, packet counter bump field, control field and a status field. During a data transfer operation, the ADP generates the transactions necessary to complete the operation over the appropriate range of addresses, using the information in the register file as a template. The ADP increments the value in the destination offset address field for each transaction according to the length of each data packet, unless the incrementing feature has been disabled and the transactions are to take place at a fixed address.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to realize the correct and prompt synchronization of data in decoding and reproducing multiplexed coded data multiplexed with a plurality of media coded data in the unit of packet without regard to the configuration or characteristics of the apparatus. To achieve a data decoder that can synchronize the video and audio data correctly, the timing controller obtains a buffering time indicated by the time difference between the decoding end time and the specified presentation time contained in the data, and data buffering is performed by buffer memory. The video decoding end time is latched from the system time counter according to a timing pulse generated by the video decoder when the first decoded data is output from video decoder after the data decoder is activated.

Abstract: A network architecture for wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) networks that allows frame switching without converting the data frames to electronic form. The WDM network consists of some number (N) of wavelength channels. The architecture separates the channels into one (or more if needed) control channel and N−1 data channels. Only the control channel undergoes electrical conversion at a switching node of the network. The control channel contains all the information needed to control routing of the data channels without converting the data channels to electrical form.

Abstract: A demultiplexer circuit which can simultaneously demultiplex plural pieces of input data while minimizing the circuit scale. The demultiplexer circuit includes an input line identification information addition circuit 2 for giving input line identification information to input data which have data identification information and are inputted through plural input lines 1, respectively; a multiplexer 4 for outputting the input data which have been given the input line identification information, respectively, by the input line identification information addition circuit 2 through one common line 5; a filter 6 for filtering the data outputted from the multiplexer 4 on the basis of the input line identification information and the data identification information at one time; and a filter table 7 that contains filtering conditions which are used in the filter 6.

Abstract: A method for transmitting a data stream from a circuit unit to a memory cell array includes receiving the data stream and demultiplexing it in response to a control signal, thereby dividing the data stream into a storage data stream and a mask data stream. The storage data stream is then buffered into a register unit, where it is divided into data stream components buffered in corresponding data register components on the basis of a clock signal and an address signal provided to the register unit. Meanwhile, the mask data stream is buffered in a mask register of the register unit. A composite data stream is then formed by combining selected data stream components in response to information provided by a data mask unit from the mask data stream buffered in the mask register. Data corresponding to this composite data stream is then provided to the memory cell array for storage therein.

Abstract: A method of coding parallel data for transmission while maintaining baud rate includes the steps of providing a plurality of uncoded data blocks having a predetermined baud rate, demultiplexing the data blocks to sequentially distribute the data blocks to encoders, encoding the data blocks at the predetermined baud rate, and serializing the coded data blocks for serially transmitting data at the predetermined baud rate. A system for coding parallel data for serial transmission while maintaining baud rate is included wherein the predetermined baud rate is maintained by providing an adequate number transmission links rather than increasing baud rate.

Abstract: A communication system configured to transceive a signal along multiple communication media of the communication system thereby increasing the rate at which the signal is transceived. The communication system comprising a source configured to transceive a signal. A communication apparatus configured for decomposing the signal into a plurality of manipulated signals. The number of the plurality of manipulated signals being determined by the number of the multiple communication media in communication with the source and the maximum transceival rate of each communication media. In communication with the communication apparatus is a reconstructing apparatus that is configured for reconstructing the plurality of manipulated signals into the signal, the signal being capable of being transceived by a host.

Abstract: The transmission distance for DDS subscriber lines over a repeaterless four-wire link is extended to customer premises beyond the standard four-wire loop range of approximately 18 kft (56 kbps, 56 kbps with secondary channel capability, and 64 kbps) by employing commercially available ISDN transceiver chip hardware to multiplex a DDS data channel into quarter-rate (2B1Q) ISDN channels. At least one of a signalling channel and an out-of-band maintenance channel is used to convey differential delay compensation information, without modifying the framing structure of the transported channels, or requiring additional bandwidth for a separate framing channel.

Abstract: A demultiplexing and decoding apparatus for coded audio and video data realized with a simple circuit construction and reduced processing load, which processes a packet with higher priority over other packets, prior to the other packets. A plurality of TS packet buffers 73 and 74, for storing input TS packets until they are interpreted, are set in a RAM 7, and processing priority orders are respectively set in the buffers. A PID filter 31 demultiplexes a TS packet, with a PID designated in PID table 36, from a supplied transport stream. A TS packet with higher priority is stored into the TS packet buffer 73, while a TS packet with lower priority is stored into the TS packet buffer 74. Regardless of the input order, the TS packet stored in the TS packet buffer 73 is processed by the CPU 6 prior to the TS packet stored in the TS packet buffer 74.

Abstract: For identifying or localizing a serial data stream in a deserialized output provided at a plurality of n output ports (PORT1-PORT5), a pattern recognition is provided at each one of the plurality of n output ports (PORT1-PORT5) for recognizing a deserialized identifier pattern corresponding to an identifier pattern within the serial data stream and for detecting a phase of the deserialized identifier pattern in the deserialized output. The phase of the output of each respective port (PORT1-PORT5) is then shifted in correspondence with the detected phase of the deserialized identifier pattern.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing data packets of differing protocols across different data channels and control channels within signals are described. In an embodiment, a method includes receiving at least one data signal, wherein the at least one data signal includes a number of channels. The number of channels includes data channels and control channels, such that each of the data channels can include different protocols and different configurations for the different protocols and such that the control channels includes control data for controlling the at least one data signal. Additionally, the method includes processing data packets in each of the number of channels in a predefined order.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for multi-link segmentation and reassembly for bonging multiple virtual circuits in an inverse multiplexing arrangement. A method includes: generating a plurality of multilink segmentation and reassembly sublayer cells at a first location; distributing the plurality of multilink segmentation and reassembly sublayer cells across a plurality of virtual circuits; transmitting the plurality of multilink segmentation and reassembly sublayer cells to a second location via the plurality of virtual circuits; and receiving the plurality of multilink segmentation and reassembly sublayer cells at the second location. An apparatus includes a multilink segmentation and reassembly sublayer transmitter, including: a source buffer; a multilink controller coupled to the source buffer; and a plurality of virtual circuits coupled to the multilink controller.

Abstract: Known network-units like Base Stations or Node B's receive signals comprising first packet fields which are directly analysable (layer 2) and second packet fields which are not analysable (layer 3) until they have been processed (defragmentation, decompression, demultiplexing, routing table consultation). To deal with these signals, the network-units analyse first information originating from said first fields, process second information originating from said second fields and analyse the processed second information. In case this processed second information indicates that the signal is destined for a next network-unit, possibly after a further processing, the signal is sent to the next network-unit.

Abstract: A digital information processing system ensures illegal-copy protection of video and audio signals without changing the structure or format of a stream of multiplexed video, audio and data packets. A packet demultiplexer selects packets from a packet stream according to the packet identifiers (PID) of the packets. The packet demultiplexer has a first output port electrically connected to video and audio signal decoders, and a second output port for digital processing such as storage. When a selected packet is a video or audio packet, the packet demultiplexer outputs the selected packet through the first output port. When the selected packet is a data packet, and packet demultiplexer outputs the selected packet through the second output port.

Abstract: A data storage communication channel includes a transmission medium, an initiator interface and a frequency selective multiplexer. The initiator interface includes first and second serial transmit ports. The frequency selective multiplexer includes first and second modulators and a circulator. The first and second modulators have first and second frequency bands and are coupled to the first and second serial transmit ports, respectively. The circulator is coupled between the first and second modulators and one end of the transmission medium.

Abstract: A method is disclosed comprising: receiving a broadcast signal containing a set of multiplexed multimedia channels; storing the multiplexed multimedia channels in a temporary storage buffer on a mass storage device; and demultiplexing and decoding a first channel of the set of multiplexed multimedia channels responsive to a user request to view multimedia content contained in the first channel.

Abstract: Transport packet demultiplexing and distribution, is enhanced in a digital transport demultiplexing system that inputs a stream of digital multimedia transport packets. According to an example embodiment, each of the transport packets includes a packet identifier (PID) to identify the digital program or elementary stream to which it corresponds. Local packet information is generated for each of the transport packets, which is used in identifying and distributing the transport packets. A local header is created that includes the generated local packet information, and the local header is linked to its corresponding transport packet to create a modified transport packet. In this manner, each of the modified transport packets represents a self-contained digital transport packet having local distribution information contained therein.

Abstract: A method for enhancing transport packet demultiplexing and distribution in a digital transport demultiplexing system that inputs a stream of digital multimedia transport packets is provided. Each of the transport packets includes a packet identifier (PID) to identify the digital program or elementary stream to which it corresponds. Local packet information is generated for each of the transport packets, which is used in identifying and distributing the transport packets. A local header is created that includes the generated local packet information, and the local header is linked to its corresponding transport packet to create a modified transport packet. In this manner, each of the modified transport packets represents a self-contained digital transport packet having local distribution information contained therein. The demulitplexing apparatus performs the demultiplexing operation by transferring data packets into and out of circular data queues.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for demultiplexing a time and polarization multiplexed signal are described. The multiplexed signal is a combination of component signals, each of which is characterized by a polarization. The demultiplexer of the system includes an input interface over which the signal is received. A polarization demultiplexer receives the multiplexed signal and polarization demultiplexes the signal. Next, a time-demultiplexing stage time-demultiplexes the polarization-demultiplexed signal to recover the original component signals. A clock recovery circuit recovers the clock from the polarization-demultiplexed signal before time demultiplexing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for deskewing parallel data lines using at least one extra channel in parallel to the parallel data lines to carry data for comparing to data on the parallel data lines.

Abstract: A signal decoding method comprises the steps of: receiving multiplexed signals in which coded signals of plural pieces of information to be recorded or transmitted have been multiplexed; obtaining priority information of respective information from the multiplexed signals; and decoding coded signals of respective information included in the multiplexed signals in the order in accordance with the obtained priority information.

Abstract: A system and method of transferring data to and from a mobile station (MS) in a cellular telecommunications network. When the MS originates a data transmission, the MS simultaneously seizes additional voice channels or control channels from the serving cell or adjacent cells, fills time slots with data packets, and asynchronously transmits the data packets over the plurality of channels in order to increase the data transfer rate. For data calls terminating at the MS, the serving mobile switching center (MSC) reserves a plurality of channels having sufficient signal strength to maintain a connection with the destination MS. The MSC informs the involved base stations that an asynchronous transmission is to be made to the MS. The MSC then assembles the data packets and starts transmission through the involved base stations to the MS over the reserved channels. The MS assembles the packets in numerical order and delevers the data to the user.

Abstract: A Synchronous Digital Hierarchy multiplexer includes an Asynchronous Transfer Mode inverse multiplexer. The multiplexer is typically associated with ATM rate adaption and may be included in a telecommunications system having at least one data path connected at one end to the inverse multiplexer, the data path being connected at the other end thereof to a further inverse multiplexer.

Abstract: A multi-carrier transmission system, for example a DMT system. Channel information is transmitted between two transceivers using a plurality of subcarriers. Each subcarrier, or symbol, has a parameter associated with it. The transceivers are adapted to transmit the channel information as a sequence of n groups in which each of the n groups contains information concerning the number of adjacent subcarriers which have the same value as the parameter, together with the actual value of the parameter. The parameter which may have a plurality of discrete values, may be a bit-loading value, or a QAM constellation identifier.

Abstract: An appatatus for enhancing transport packet demultiplexing and distribution in a digital transport demultiplexing system that inputs a stream of digital multimedia transport packets is provided. The demultiplexing apparatus performs the demultiplexing operation by transferring data packets into and out of circular data queues. These circular queues comprise a contiguous block of memory which are defined by a queue starting address, a queue size, a read pointer, and a write pointer. When data packets are written to and read from a circular queue, the sequential addressing of the queue will automatically rollover from the highest memory location within the queue to the lowest memory location when the sequential addresses move through the circular queue. The addressing of the various queues and sharing of a transport stream bus is handled by a memory arbiter and queue manager.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a communication system (300) including one or more communication channels (10), each channel comprising a transmitter unit (20) and a receiver unit (40). Each transmitter unit (20) is connected through an optical fiber link (30) to its associated receiver unit (40). In operation, each receiver unit (20) receives payload data from its associated sending client and adds overhead data to the payload data to generate corresponding aggregate data (600). The aggregate data of each transmitter unit (20) is conveyed through the fiber link (30) to its associated receiver unit (40) which receives the aggregate data, decodes it to separate the payload data from the overhead data and then outputs the payload data to its associated receiving client. The receiver unit (40) interprets the overhead data and uses it for controlling and managing the payload data in the system (300).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing information, e.g., audio, speech, video or image information, for transmission in a communication system. In an illustrative embodiment, a set of bit streams are generated from an audio information signal. The set of bit streams may be, e.g., a total of four bit streams generated by separating each of two multiple description bit streams, corresponding to separate representations of the audio information signal, into first and second class bit streams. The first and second class bit streams associated with the first multiple description bit stream may then be transmitted in respective first and second subbands of a first sideband of an FM host carrier, while the first and second class bit streams associated with the second multiple description bit stream are transmitted in respective first and second subbands of a second sideband of the FM host carrier.

Abstract: A radio multi-channel data communicating system and method thereof and an image data transmitting system using the same which can be used as a real time image transmission system, are provided, in which an existing communication network is configured into a radio multi-channel communication network, data is divided and transmitted and then received and decoded, to thereby transmit and receive a large amount of data quickly.

Abstract: A transmitting apparatus is provided with a transmit buffer for each of N-number of services for which the length of encoding time is ni·T (i=1, 2, . . . , N). The transmit buffer has a first storage unit for storing a length ni·T (i=1, 2, . . . , N) of transmit data, and a second storage unit for storing a reference time length T of transmit data. The following operation is carried out on a per-service basis: a length ni·T of transmit data is stored in the transmit buffer in the lengths T at low speed; a length ni·T of transmit data, which has already been stored in the transmit buffer, is read out in burst fashion at high speed in parallel with storage of a succeeding length T of transmit data in the transmit buffer; and storage and read-out of ni·T lengths of transmit data are subsequently performed in parallel in similar fashion and the transmit data that has been read out is input to an encoding processor.

Abstract: A transport stream (TS) demultiplexer has a TS input switch unit and an output switch unit, whereby inputs and outputs can be selected as desired, external output can be easily changed by changing selected information of the TS input switch unit and the output switch unit, without changing inputs. Therefore, the TS demultiplexer receives a plurality of TSs such as MPEG-2 TSs and DSS TSs, and can selectively demultiplex the TSs, and particularly, the TS demultiplexer can store the TSs in a storage medium such as a hard disc drive, or it can easily transmit the TS data over an IEEE1394 bus or a PCI bus.

Abstract: A method for transmitting transport signals for different hierarchical levels, wherein lower level transport signals can be inserted into upper level transport signals, and all the transport signals have the same pulse frame including an optical channel overhead. The error rate is significantly reduced by means of forward error correction. Instead of transport signals of a lower hierarchy, tributary signals are inserted directly into the pulse frames of the transport signals of a higher hierarchy, and frequency matching is effected by stuffing.

Abstract: A method and device for communication control. It is an object to provide an improved method and device which can be used with a range of standard communication facilities. A method and device are provided for controlling communication through a data network or bus. The data network or bus includes a data source and a transmission facility subdivided into a plurality of different channels. A subset of the plurality of channels is determined which the data source is allowed to seize. A data stream originating from the data source is transformed into a format permitting concurrent transmission over the subset of channels. Finally, the transformed data is transmitted concurrently over the subset of channels. The principles taught provide a method and device which allow one to utilize the provided bandwidth of a bus or network very efficiently leading to a higher statistical availability of data transport capacity.

Abstract: A demultiplexer is provided capable of handing different types of the multiplexing format and minimizing the overall size and the cost of its circuitry arrangement.

Abstract: In regard to technology for broadcasting data through a transmission path, particularly, a system is provided in which a large volume of data is transmitted in a short time. On the data broadcasting side, data to be transmitted is transmitted by shifting the data in time through a plurality of transmission paths, or is decomposed and the decomposed data is transmitted through a plurality of transmission paths. On the receiving side, the received data is rearranged and reconstituted by recomposing the data into one block of data.

Abstract: An adaptive multiplexing/demultiplexing method, and a multiplexer/demultiplexer (MUX/DEMUX) using the same and a computer readable medium including software for implementing the same in an H.324M system, are provided. The adaptive MUX/DEMUX in the H.324M system includes one or more MUX/DEMUXs having different complexities, between an H.223/Annex C MUX/DEMUX and an H.223 MUX/DEMUX.

Abstract: The present invention enables to decode plural streams composing a multiplexed stream by one decoding means. A decoder of the present invention comprises a demultiplexing means 102 for separating a multiplexed stream into plural streams by a demultiplexing process and a decoding means 109 for carrying out a decoding process for one of the plural separated streams, and selects one of the plural separated streams to output the same to the decoding means such that a decoding process for one stream in the decoding means is switched to a decoding process for another stream.

Abstract: A transport demultiplexor for demultiplexing an MPEG-2 compliant transport stream into a system data stream, a video data stream, and an audio data stream. The demultiplexor has frontend logic, a packet buffer, and data, video, and audio unloaders. The front end logic receives transport stream input packets, and delivers the transport stream packets to the packet buffer. The packet buffer, in turn, delivers system data to the system data unloader, video data to the video unloader, and audio data to the audio unloader.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dynamic allocation of bandwidth to data with varying bit rates are disclosed in which a plurality of virtual channels to transmit a stream of data are allocated on a transmission medium supporting a transport standard capable of transmitting data at multiple different frequencies. The stream of data is transmitted on the allocated virtual channels. The stream of data is transmitted on the allocated virtual channels at a lowest frequency among the multiple different frequencies within the transport standard supported by the transmission medium.

Abstract: Digital signals are commonly transmitted using the single-carrier method or the multicarrier method, for example. Both methods use one carrier frequency per transmission channel or subchannel of predetermined bandwidth. According to the invention, at least two carrier frequencies (f1, f2, f3) are used to increase the transmission capacity of a channel. The distance between two carrier frequencies is less than the absolute value of a carrier frequency (f1, f2, f3) by a factor of, e.g., 500. The beat frequency resulting from the combination (ADD) of several carrier frequencies (f1, f2, f3) in a channel is negligible, particularly if the transmitted carrier frequencies (f1, f2, f3) are in phase at the start of oscillations. By the combination (ADD) of several carrier frequencies (f1, f2, f3), equal resulting carrier frequencies can be obtained for different bit streams (DATA1, DATA2, DATA3).

Abstract: Techniques and architecture as well as channel multiplexing schemes to design and implement multi-megabit and gigabit transfer of data in situations requiring or optimized by wireless communication systems are presented as a method by which the high-speed signal integrity of a transmission may be maintained over a hostile wireless link and by which a high-speed transmission may be made while maintaining a bit-rate below the delay spread value such that the unforgiving propagation conditions normally associated with high-speed transfer are mitigated. The system is adaptable to any use where a multi-megabit and gigabit wireless link is desirable; for example in office buildings lacking fiber infrastructure, in rapid deployment situations such as those required in military or emergency situations, or where other separate broadband infrastructures do not exist to the end users for integrated telephone, Internet, and digital data systems.

Abstract: In ATM networks, digital data in ATM cells are sent to a destination node over more than one transmission link in round robin fashion. This is called inverse multiplexing. At connection start-up, the source node informs the destination node of the specific round robin fashion of the transmission links so that the ATM cells are reassembled in a proper sequential order. Inverse multiplexing control cells are used to communicate between the source node and destination node for connectivity testing of transmission links. Cell stuffing is also provided in one embodiment to accommodate non-synchronized links among transmission links. In a particular embodiment, two consecutive control cells indicate a stuffing cell. A start-up procedure is described when not all the transmission links are usable.

Abstract: A bi-directional data communication system using inverse multiplexers for transmitting and receiving data at high-speeds using regular analog channels. The inverse multiplexer splits a high-speed digital signal into low-speed digital signals that are input to analog modems. The analog modems modulate the low-speed digital signals into low-speed analog signals for transmission over the analog channels to the public switched telephone network. At the remote end, the data carried by the analog channels is reverse inverse multiplexed into a high-speed digital signal by an inverse multiplexer operating in a reverse inverse multiplexing mode.

Abstract: A transmitting device cyclically distributes a plurality of cells to a plurality of lines in a predetermined order. The transmitting unit loads the same cell block number into the cells to be distributed to the lines in the same cycle, and transmits the cells to the lines. A receiving device, whenever receiving the cells from the transmitting device via the lines, arranges the cells into which the same cell block number is loaded in the predetermined order.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for creating a composite waveform. This composite waveform is created by coding a plurality of input digital information signals. Subsequently, the plurality of coded input digital information signals are communicated over a communication medium to a digital combiner. The digital combiner combines the plurality of coded input digital information signals. Finally, the digitally combined information signal is spectrally shaped to form a composite waveform. These composite waveform creation principals may be applied to digitally encoded voice subbands in a subband coding system as well as channel information in a direct sequence code division multiple access (DS-CDMA) communication system transmitter.

Abstract: A communication technique for transmitting packet data over parallel communication sublinks coupled to a processor unit is provided. Initially, a method receives a packet of data from a first communication link which is coupled to a set of sublinks. The method distributes packets over each of the sublinks utilizing a unique byte-by-byte (BBB) striping technique. Logically, the data bytes associated with each sublink are collected into a slice of data and each set of slices are given a unique predetermined label. Each slice is then synchronously transmitted at the aggregate bandwidth of each sublink in parallel across each corresponding sublink to a receiver. A receiver receives the slices of data from the set of sublinks and aggregates the bandwidth of these two or more communication sublinks into a single communication link. Unless there are errors, a packet is transmitted in order using multiple slices. The system recreates the original packet of data from sets of slices having the same unique label.

Abstract: A two-line videophone can be used to initiate video communication while maintaining audio communication throughout the initiation period. A user uses a first line to initiate an analog voice call with another user. The videophone then uses a modem to initiate a video (including image and voice) link on a second line. During this initialization period, the first line continues to carry the analog audio communication. After the video link on the second line is established, voice communication can be switched to the second line. The system then uses another modem to initiate a separate video link on the first line. During the setting up of the digital link on the first line, video communication (including voice and images) continues to be carried on the second line. Consequently, there is no gap in audio communication. After the digital link on the first line is established, both the first and the second lines can be used to carry video communication.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for distributing and consolidating data packets onto multiple network interfaces includes using frame-based inverse multiplexing to parse high-speed data into frames for placement onto lower-speed E1 or T1 connections between a base station controller and a base station, or between two base station controllers, in a cellular telephony network. The inverse multiplexing algorithm may be implemented with hardware such as, e.g., FIFOs and registers. The frames are transmitted across the E1 or T1 connections and then received, buffered, and multiplexed into a single high-speed data stream.

Abstract: For high-speed data transmission in a digital mobile system, the mobile network allocates n parallel rate-adapted traffic channels to a high-speed user data signal which requires a data transfer rate R.sub.user within a range (n-1)*R.sub.ch <R.sub.user <n*R.sub.ch, wherein R.sub.ch is the maximum transmission rate of a single traffic channel. The user data signal is divided in the transmitter into transmission frames (L, L+1, L+2) for transmission via the parallel traffic channels (ch1-chn) in such a way that all the information bits in the transmission frames of n-1 traffic channels carry user data bits (DATA), and the user data transfer rate of each of the n-1 traffic channels is R.sub.ch. In the frames of the nth traffic channel (chn) the number of the information bits carrying user data bits (DATA) is selected to correspond to the user data rate R.sub.user -(n-1)*R.sub.ch exceeding the capacity of the other n-1 traffic channels.

Abstract: An arrangement and a method for multiplexing/demultiplexing in a digital communication system using time division multiplex. The arrangement includes a switching arrangement with a first switching device for switching data and second switching devices for multiplexing and/or demultiplexing data. One or more second switching devices are connected to the first switching device over terminal connection links including a logical interface which includes a number of time slots arranged in rows and columns. The arrangement further includes a device for providing resources on the interface of the first terminal connection link. Resources for at least two different functionalities are reserved using reservation of resources based on columns in the interface and reservation based on time slots in the interface, respectively.