An Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)-based distributed network switching system includes an ATM switching network (26) that dynamically sets up individual switched virtual connections. The system also includes multiple access interworking function (A-IWF) devices each operating as a gateway that enables customer premises devices to directly interface into the distributed ATM switching fabric. The system further includes a centralized control and signaling interworking function (CS-IWF) device that performs call control functions and adminstrative functions and is adapted to interface narrowband and broadband signaling for call processing and control within the ATM switching network (26). The CS-IWF device (30) may be a server farm.