Abstract: An embedded communications network of a vehicle is a deterministic switched Ethernet network using virtual links, including a set of subscribers and a set of switches. A first subscriber is connected to a first switch and a third switch, and a second subscriber is connected to a second switch and to a fourth switch. A first virtual link is formed from the first subscriber to at least the second subscriber via a first subset of switches, and a second virtual link is formed from the first subscriber to at least the second subscriber via a second subset of switches, the switches of the first subset of switches all being separate from the switches of the second subset of switches. The communications network includes at least one connection, used by a third virtual link, between a switch of the first subset and a switch of the second subset.