Abstract: A fast operating, combined packet and circuit switch. The switch includes a number of units which are distributed locally and which are mutually connected by means of physical links. In a packet-switched network, which is comprised of packet handlers and the links, each connected unit affects at least one control-time-slot. In this way, each unit is able to operate the circuit switch so as, for instance, to establish and release circuit-switched connections, in response to control commands transmitted on the packet-switched network. As a result of the packet switch, the whole of the switch can be configured at a cold start and during operation, therewith satisfying the individual bandwidth requirement of each connected unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multiplexer for a digital switch, arranged to be included in a switch network whose data flow is organized in frames containing a number of time slots, said time slots including data time slots, which shall be directed through the switch from first to second sets of terminal units, such as subscriber connections, trunk connections, processors, etc. The multiplexer is controlled by a processor for controllable multiplexing, i.e., mapping of a number of transmission links from each of a corresponding number of the terminal units of said first set to a transmission link leading to the switch, as well as of a transmission link leading from the switch to a number of transmission links leading to each of a corresponding number of terminal units of said second set. The mapping is performed on the data time slots.