Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for use in an ATM network that allow several devices to access a limited number of device interface ports in a ATM switch fabric, by providing flexible assignment of the limited ports. The methods and apparatus are dynamically configurable to permit port assignments to be changed on the fly, without interfering with existing communications. In certain embodiments a programmable M×N cross point switch is provided between M number of devices and a N×N ATM switch matrix. The cross point switch allows two or more devices to switchably access one or more of the device interface ports in the ATM switch matrix. The assignment of devices to device interface ports can be initiated manually or automatically by local and/or external control processes/devices.