Abstract: A telecommunications system. The system includes a first area. The system includes a second area connected to the first area to form a single physical network for routing connections and in which there is selective propagation of information between each area in the network. A split switch. The split switch includes a first node adapted to be disposed in a first area. The split switch includes a second node adapted to be disposed in a second area. The second node is in communication with the first node. The first node prevents information from propagating into the first area from the second area which was provided to the second area from the first area or arose from the first area. A method for routing connections. The method includes the steps of propagating information concerning a connection from a first area of a physical network to a second area of the physical area. Then there is the step of preventing the information from forming a routing loop back to the first area.