Abstract: A communications node for establishing a plurality of logically distinct communications links running in parallel through the node to one or more remote nodes, comprises an input switch means, an output switch means, a plurality of communications resources connected between said input and output switch means, said plurality of communications resources including at least first and second communications resources adapted to deliver different communication services including packet-switched and circuit-switched services, control means associated with said input switch means and said output switch means to establish logically distinct links through the node, wherein each said link is configurable to selectively include one of the at least first and second communication resources.