Abstract: A storage network co-operating with a marker comprises a shift register whose stages are loaded in parallel with the digits of a call number received from a local subscriber, the first digit or digits of that call number being read out to an associated marker as an identification of a remote junction to which the call is to be extended via a transmission path selected under the control of that marker. When the marker has received enough digits to perform the switching operation linking the subscriber line with the selected transmission path, it activates a pulse generator which energizes an output lead in parallel with a counter whose reading is successively compared with the remaining digits still stored in some of the stages of the shift register. A comparator making this comparison, upon detecting a match between the pulse count and a stored digit, blocks the further readout of pulses to the output lead for an interdigit pause determined by a timer.

Abstract: A marker designed to control a switching circuit for extending an outgoing call to a remote junction, identified by a characteristic digit or digit combination at the beginning of a call number emitted by a local subscriber, includes a first and a second memory connected in tandem via an intervening decoder, the first memory having respective cells addressable by all possible digits and digit combinations forming part of the characteristic call-number portion. The code words stored in these cells are translated by the decoder into (a) a signal ni indicating a nonexisting junction, (b) a signal ci denoting an incomplete characteristic, or (c) a signal if addressing a cell of the second memory to select a transmission path leading to a fully identified junction.