Abstract: The communication device (KE) has a coupling arrangement (ASN) with at least a number N of active line assemblies (BG 1 to BG N), which are respectively connected to a transmission line (LTG 1 to LTG N) and, together with an additional standby line assembly (BG N+1), form a “1:N” redundancy group. In such a “1:N” redundancy group, line-specific switches (S) and selection devices (SEL 1:N) are designed and arranged in such a manner that the selection devices can be replaced without adversely affecting the normal operation of the communication device.

Abstract: The prior art for the switching of ATM cells to an equivalent circuit involves the problem of incorrect switching operations. The method provides a remedy for this by virtue of the fact that when there is a fault on a service link an equivalent circuit switching operation onto just one standby link is controlled in accordance with priority criteria and logic operation information.

Abstract: In prior art, one of the problems of equivalent switching MPLS packets is that the transmission of MPLS packets is defined unidirectionally. The inventive method provides a solution to the problem in the form of a configuration which allows for bidirectional and 1:n unidirectional transmission (requiring a reverse LAN channel). Equivalent switching operations in the case of an error occurring when a working entity fails are administered in an efficient manner according to priority critieria and MPLS link information.

Abstract: In prior art, equivalent switching of MPLS packets can result in maloperations. The inventive method provides a solution to the problem in the following manner: when a working entity fails, equivalent switching is controlled in accordance with priority criteria and logical link information for one single protection entity.

Abstract: In prior art, the provision of an equivalent circuit for ATM cells is efficiently controlled using linear structures. According to the invention, in order to also transit these structures to ring-type architectures, a ring-type structure is configured from linear structures as follows: additional linear structures are integrated into the transmission section of a linear structure and the switching devices of the original linear structure are combined. In addition, a large number of equivalent circuits share a common reserved transmission capacity.

Abstract: The known alternate circuiting of ATM cells is efficiently controlled upon employment of linear structures. In order to also be able to transfer these structures to ring-shaped architectures, a ring-shaped structure is inventively formed of linear structures in that further linear structures are linked into the transmission section of a linear structure and the switching equipment of the original linear structure are brought together or merged. Further, a plurality of protection entities share a transmission capacity that is reserved in common.

Abstract: A method is provided for changing over to a standby link for a transmission device for the bidirectional transmission of digital signals. To implement the bidirectional changeover to the standby link as quickly as possible, control information is transmitted, as a rule, in only one step between the terminals (1, 3). In the event of a mismatch between information on the state of the respective local switching device formed locally and received (K2) from the distant station, the local receiving device (14, 34) is connected to the operating link (21) for eliminating the switching fault.