Abstract: A method is intended for synchronizing a client clock of a client communication node with a master clock in a data packet network. This method comprises the steps of: i) transmitting first data representative of timing information of the master clock from a source communication node to the client communication node via a time distribution protocol, ii) transmitting second data representative of a frequency reference correlated to the timing information from a chosen communication node to the client communication node via a time distribution protocol, and iii) differentiating the transmitted first and/or second data into the client communication node to synchronize the client clock with the master clock by means of the timing information and/or frequency reference represented by the differentiated first and second data.

Abstract: A switching element for cross-connect equipment for digital bit streams multiplexed by time-division multiplexing of digital bit streams at different bit rates includes, for each incoming frame transmission medium, a device for extracting from said incoming frames signals constituting multiplexing units to be cross-connected. It further includes for each incoming frame transmission medium a memory for signals constituting multiplexing units to be cross-connected adapted to hold at least N signals where N denotes the repetition period in the incoming frames of the lowest bit rate tributary of the multiplexing hierarchy.

Abstract: A frame restructuring interface for digital bit streams multiplexed by time-division multiplexing digital tributaries at different bit rates according to a synchronous multiplexing hierarchy at the various levels of which tributaries are constituted entities called containers and entities called multiplexing units.