A modular switching network node for a communications network, i.e., an industrial communications network, where the modular switching network node comprises a switching network node base unit and at least one port module, the at least one port module comprises at least one connection interface for coupling to the communications network, and where the modular switching network node is configured to forward communication data over one of the connection interfaces of the modular switching network node to at least one additional connection interface of the modular switching network node. The switching network node base unit is configured such that at least one of the port modules is swappable for a functional module to expand the functionality of the switching network node.