SWITCHING MATRIX FOR INTERCONNECTING AN ACCESS NETWORK AND OPERATOR NETWORKS

摘要

A switching matrix (30) connects to an access network (10) and a set of at least two operator networks (41). A controller (51) performs a method of establishing new connections across the switching matrix (30) in response to new connection requests. The new connection requests involve a sub-set of the set of operator networks. The controller determines (103) if the new connections can be established across the switching matrix by rearranging only existing connections across the switching matrix to the sub-set of operator networks and, in response, establishes (104) the at least one new connection. Otherwise, the controller rearranges (105) existing connections across the switching matrix to at least one other of the set of operator networks to establish the new connections. The controller (51) minimises the number of other operator networks which are involved when rearranging existing connections. The switching matrix can be a Clos switching matrix.