Abstract: A switching system including a number of switching modules each having a plurality of access ports. Incoming and outgoing packet channels are extended between each switching module and an inter-module packet switch. Each of the switching modules includes both a packet switching unit and a circuit switching unit for switching information to and from the access ports. Each switching module further includes a control unit that controls the switching units and that generates inter-module control packets, and a communication interface that transmits inter-module control packets generated by the control unit on the incoming packet channel to the inter-module packet switch. The communication interface also transmits inter-module control packets received on the outgoing packet channel from the inter-module packet switch to the control unit.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for controlling a time division switching system including a time multiplexed switch is disclosed. The time division switching system comprises a plurality of time-slot interchange units which connect subscriber sets to the input/output ports of a time multiplexed switch. When a connection is to be established between time-slot interchange units, a central control transmits to the time multiplexed switch a path setup message defining the input/output ports to be connected and the time slot to be used for such a connection. The time multiplexed switch controller responds to the path setup messages by disconnecting existing connections through the time multiplexed switch which potentially conflict with the requested connection, then by completing the requested connection. Accordingly, the switching system operates effectively without requiring separate disconnect messages when connections through the time multiplexed switch are no longer needed.