Abstract: A cross-connect is provided which uses “mask” and “rotate” parameters, rather than “source” and “destination” parameters. In a first step (1300), a word representing a full time slot of data is read from a desired source time slot. In a following step (1302), the aforementioned word is masked to enable only the desired bits which are to be output. Thereafter, in a step (1304), the masked word is rotated to ensure that the target bits are in the correct bit positions for a target time slot, to which the masked and rotated word is written in a step (1306). This cross-connection method supports efficient use of cross-connection control memory, and of buffer RAM memory.

Abstract: The objective of the invention is a backplane bus especially for equipment cabinets which allows an increase of the bus transmission capacity and this way a considerable increase in the number of plug-in units connected to the bus. The bus is divided physically into two bus segments A and B. The segments are combined into one logical bus by bridging, but so that the bridging function is not performed on the bus but with a plug-in unit (4A, 4B) which is connected to the bus at the point of division and which performs the bridging functions. The plug-in unit makes sure that when a plug-in unit located in the first half of the bus is transmitting to a plug-in unit located in the second half of the bus, the transmission time slot will be properly mapped into the reception time slot of the target plug-in unit in the second bus and vice versa.

Abstract: A method of implementing roaming in a system of fixed networks is disclosed. The method comprises performance of a roaming registration by the roaming user at a VLR, to whose area the roaming user has roamed, and a request, by the VLR, of a roaming user identity validation from an HLR associated with the roaming user. Thereafter, the HLR communicates a roaming user identity validation to the VLR, and updates a HLR database. The VLR also updates a VLR database. A connection establishment by at least one ATM switch between said roaming user and another user is managed by at least one of the VLR and the HLR.