Abstract: In a telecommunications switching system having an "all time" network, the network is divided into a plurality of blocks, each of the blocks having assigned thereto dedicated groups of access ports for completing connections between those ports and any of the other ports in the system. A single spare network block is provided having a programmable identity and capable of functioning in the place of any of the primary blocks. In the event of a malfunction in a primary block, the spare network block is assigned the identity of the primary block, is enabled, the faulty block disabled, and call processing continues just as if the primary block were on line.

Abstract: An end mark controlled switching system including a crosspoint matrix and a plurality of single ended junctors for linking paths within the matrix. The single ended junctors are adapted to link matrix inlets by firing crosspoints associated with such inlets into a common matrix outlet thereby using the matrix outlet itself as the link. The single ended junctors include means for refiring linked paths to allow insertion of additional inlets into existing connections.