Method for controlling a network node and a telecommunications network together and a network node

Abstract

A method for controlling a network node and a network having several nodes and terminals. The network node has a plurality of interfaces. One incoming data stream is forwarded from the network node to one of a further network node and a terminal, the network node maintains and stores a connection data stock with connection-related information used to control existing connections to other network nodes, and the connection data stock indicates a data stream designator for an interface and a data stream that is incoming or outgoing at the interface and a data stream direction. Another method uses one terminal as a data source and one as a datasink, each network node forwarding one incoming data stream to one of another network node and a terminal and maintaining a connection data stock with information used to control existing connections to other network nodes, including a data stream designator and a network node interface. Management of existing connections to other network nodes is carried out irrespective of data sink or subscriber-related information. Each network node in a telecommunications network having several network nodes is controlled according to this method. A network node is also provided to implement the method. The invention can be used to easily distribute streams, especially in mass applications.