A link network comprises a plurality of sublink networks having the same structure and an external link cable interconnecting the plural sublink networks. Each sublink network consists of lattice switches arranged in two stages and internal links interconnecting the lattice switches in the opposite stages. The external link cable connects those link terminals of the lattice switches of each sublink network which are not connected with the internal links with like link terminals of another sublink network.
The invention concerns the connection of functional units. A trunking arrement is disclosed which permits the linking of minority units of the same type in several blocks of units, to other units allocated to that type and grouped in a single block of units. The minority connections from minority units of distinct types, are grouped into relaying links and relayed by said links to a wiring structure, which reassembles the connections pertaining to units of one and the same type in regrouping links. Application of the invention is in the field of telecommunications.
An apparatus is disclosed for effecting a communication arrangement of a plurality of communication circuits between first connection loci of a first switch array and second connection loci of a second switch array. The apparatus comprises: (a) a first connection interface with the first switch array having first interconnection loci; (b) a second connection interface with the second switch array having second interconnection loci; (c) a plurality of communication paths at least equal in number to the plurality of communication circuits intermediate the first and second connection interfaces; (d) a first router connected with the first switch array and connection interface; and (e) a second router connected with the second switch array and connection interface. The first and second router interfaces cooperate to effect a plurality of routing connections among the first connection loci, the second connection loci and selected communication paths to establish the communication arrangement. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing the first and second connection interfaces, first and second switch arrays and first and second interconnection loci; (b) providing communication paths at least equal in number to the communication circuits intermediate the first and second connection interfaces; (c) providing first and second router interfaces connecting respective first and second switch arrays and the first and second connection interfaces; and (d) configuring the first and second router interfaces to effect routing connections among the first and second connection loci and selected communication paths to establish the communication arrangement.
