Abstract: A time division digital switching network comprises first multiplexing means in which first-order digital data channels transmitting words which have a format selected amongst two formats and a first rate selected amongst a plurality of rates different from, but multiple of, one another undergo a first multiplexing converting them into a second-order digital data channel having a second predetermined rate. Each given second-order channel may comprise either a plurality of first order channels of one and the same rate or a combination of first-order channels having different rates. Thereafter there are provided second multiplexing means in which the second-order digital channels undergo a second multiplexing converting them into a third-order digital data channel having a third predetermined rate.

Abstract: A time division digital switching network comprises first multiplexing means in which first-order digital data channels transmitting words consisting of a given number of bits and having first rates which are different from, but multiple of, one another undergo a first multiplexing converting them into a second-order digital data channel having a second predetermined rate. Each given second-order channel comprises a combination of first-order channels having different rates r.sub.1. In each combination, there are x.sub.i words at the rate x.sub.i and the quantity .SIGMA.r.sub.i x.sub.i defines a multiframe. Thereafter there are provided second multiplexing means in which the second-order digital channels undergo a second multiplexing converting them into a third-order digital data channel having a third predetermined rate.