Abstract: There is provided a communication network. The communication network comprises (a) a multiplexer located in a building having a plurality of units, in which the multiplexer is coupled to the plurality of units via a local communication link, and (b) a switch coupled to the multiplexer via a synchronous optical network (SONET), for routing one or more communication packets between the multiplexer and a plurality of communication service providers. The plurality of units can transmit and receive the one or more communication packets to and from the plurality of communication service providers via the multiplexer.