Abstract: An arrangement for interfacing between TDM and ATM networks consists of a family of devices that comprises two groups. The first group comprises devices that perform multiplexing, segregation and routing field translation for the respective traffic type. They may also remove or substitute an outermost layer of encapsulation. These first group devices are bi-directional and output buffered with respect to the network. The second device group comprises devices that perform format conversions between the service payload (voice, video or data) and an adaptation layer control format. These second group devices are also bi-directional and buffering depends on the particular function, e.g. real-time, segmentation.