MULTIPLEXER APPARATUS

摘要

A multiplexer apparatus, in particular for an SDH communications system, has in addition to the usual M-port-equivalent cross-connection matrix (10) and a number N of traffic slots (16) for receiving associated traffic cards, a bandwidth-distribution means (24) interposed between the matrix and the slots which enables the available ports of the matrix to be allocated to the various traffic cards on an as-needed basis instead of on a fixed basis as is currently the case. Control means coupled to the bandwidth-distribution means is arranged to ascertain the individual bandwidth requirement of each traffic card in association with their slot number and operable to instruct the bandwidth-distribution means to allocate a corresponding number of ports to each of the cards, whereby the total number of ports allocated does not exceed M. The bandwidth-distribution function may be realised as a series of asymmetric switches, one per matrix equivalent-port, each interfacing one of the slots to one of the M ports. The slots may equally be tributary or line-interface cards.