Multi-service transport apparatus with switch for integrated transport networks

Abstract

A multi-service transport apparatus for integrated transport networks that may have an electrical matrix, termination function means handling signals incoming at said apparatus input, a plurality of termination function means interfacing different layers, and adaptation function means. The termination function means handling incoming signals are implemented in input/output port devices; the termination function means interfacing different layers and said adaptation function means are implemented in adapter devices. The matrix performs exclusively the switching of the incoming signals that are already terminated and adapted by said input/output port devices and by said adapter devices and it is transparent with respect to the signal format. The switch may have a time division multiplexing matrix provided with a number of matrix inputs and a number of matrix outputs; source address generators, connected to matrix outputs of the time division multiplexing matrix.