Abstract: The invention relates to an exchange for connecting telecommunications terminals of subscribers to a telecommunications network, comprising subscriber lines via which the respective telecommunications terminals are linked with the exchange. Said exchange is operated by a first network operator and is used by further network operators. The subscriber lines and subscribers are associated with one of said network operators each and the subscribers select the exchange via the telecommunications terminals to establish a telecommunications link via the respective network operator. The invention further relates to a method for operating an exchange that is used in the inventive exchange.

Abstract: At least one part of at least two user connections (TA1 . . . 6) having configured performance criteria and being allocated to at least two network devices (LE1 . . . 3) is assigned to at least one group (NWHG), to which group-specific performance criteria and/or characteristics (PDN, HUNT) can be allocated. The group (NWHG) is controlled by one of the network devices (LE1), whereby the user connections (TA1, 3, 4, 6) which have not been physically allocated to this network device (LE1) are allocated to said device as virtual user connections.