Abstract: Information is selectively exchanged between a number of closely located stations and a number of remote stations. Signals are coupled between the close stations via a first, parallel data channel. A second, serial data channel connects a common adapter circuit for the closely located stations to the remote stations. Each of the stations includes a data module for coupling signals between the first data channel and plural peripheral devices at the station. Each of the modules includes a data processing unit having a memory that stores a program dependent on the configuration of the peripheral devices at the station. Each of the data processing units derives an enabling order for a module at another station, which enabling order is coupled to the another station via the first station or via the first station, the adapter circuit and the second channel; the enabling orders cause the programs stored in the memories to be executed.