Switching device for telecommunication networks

摘要

A switching device for telecommunication networks, which comprises a) a number of I/O ports for inputting incoming data streams and outputting outgoing data streams of arbitrary protocols, b) a switching fabric SF for handling internal data streams, c) a number of adaptation functional blocks AFBs associated with the switching fabric SF. Each AFB is capable of performing at least one of the following adaptation functions: converting one or more of the incoming data streams or portions thereof into one or more internal data streams, and converting one or more of the internal data streams handled by the SF into one or more outgoing data streams or portions thereof. The switching device also comprises a distribution block DB adapted to allow switching between the I/O ports and the adaptation functional blocks AFBs and so configurable to provide a required selectable connection between any of the I/O ports and any of the adaptation functional blocks AFBs.