摘要:
A variable-band distributed switching node comprises a plurality of independent modules (MU.sub.1 . . . MGm) inserted between subscriber or trunk lines and a common bus (1). Each module includes an input/output portion (IU, HL, SL, PL), processing line information, and an interface (IB) toward the bus which co-operates with the interfaces of the other modules to form hybrid frames on the bus. These frames are each divided into a first region RC, encompassing a plurality of channels assigned to circuit-switched communications, and a residual-band second portion RP shared by packet-switched communications. Such frames are dynamically managed by assigning to each circuit-switched channel a band which can differ in consecutive frames to satisfy the requirements of variable-band sources and by recompacting the channels remaining in region RC after each channel release.