Abstract: An optical transmission system is provided in which the signals are transmitted at different wavelengths between terminals of a transmission network and only those signals are regenerated whose quality parameters require regeneration. A management system, when deciding about the location of regeneration, takes the design and the properties of the transmission network including the existing regeneration possibilities and the possible routing into consideration.

Abstract: Modular expandable digital switching network in ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) technology for a fast packet-switched transmission of information. The switching network has a J.times.J array of pre-switching modules and a 1.times.J array of final switching modules. The inputs of the switching network are connected to primary inputs of the pre-switching modules, whose outputs are connected to expansion inputs of pre-switching modules in the same column of the subsequent row. The outputs of the pre-switching modules in the final row with index J are connected to the inputs of the final switching modules in the same column, whose outputs are connected to the outputs of the switching network. Thus, a modular expandable switching network in ATM technology can be realized with minimal wiring requirements.

Abstract: A self-controlled concentrator for packet-synchronous for fast data packet switching networks has the first bits of the totality of input data packets act on the totality of the switch elements of the concentrator in accordance with the switch positions thereof. The switch elements are beta elements (.beta.), having two inputs and two outputs, whereby 1d n stages of n/2 beta elements (.beta.) each are provided in which n is the number of inputs and outputs of the concentrator. A connecting structure that represents a perfect shuffle is provided between the stages of beta elements. The stages are divided into blocks such that the plurality of blocks increases according to a power of 2, ascending from stage to stage, whereby the plurality of blocks in the first stage is 2.sup.0, that in the second stage is 2.sup.1, etc., whereby n/2 blocks form the last stage to produce a binary tree structure. Dependent on the type of signal pair supplied to it, a beta element (.beta.

Abstract: A sorting unit for a switching node comprising a plurality of digital switching matrix networks for fast, asynchronous packet switching networks, which switching node comprises a multi-stage, mixed connection structure based, for example, on a banyan tree structure, that forms a complete truck group, such that every input of the switching node is connectable to every output thereof. The digital switching matrix networks are fashioned as self-controlling (self-routing) sorting units that are a multi-stage circuit switching arrangement comprising 2m-1 beta element columns of m beta elements (.alpha.) each, whereby 2m is equal to the number of inputs and equal to the number of outputs of the sorting unit, and m is a power to two. The sorting unit is divided into a first sub-unit comprising m columns that functions as a distribution unit and a second sub-unit comprising m-1 columns that functions as a correction unit.