Abstract: An advanced network processor or concentrator which uses distributed processing to interface a plurality of subscriber data input lines to a packet network. The concentrator includes removable line terminators boards (ULT) which can be configured to handle a variety of signal characteristics. Each ULT interfaces to a line director unit (LDU). The line director units process and packetize the data. All the LDU's are interfaced to each other over a high speed data bus which is also accessible by a nodal director unit (NDU). Each LDU is programmed by the NDU to recognize and process the data at each subscriber line and instructed by the NDU to down load it's processed data to a selected trunk line director unit (TLDU). The TLDU transmits the data over a trunk line to a packet switching network. The system is modular, expandable and reprogrammable to handle differently typed subscriber inputs as necessary.