Patent ID: 7065585

Claim:
A method for switching communication modes for shifting an exchange from a frame relay exchange having a packet exchange processing unit to an ATM exchange in a communication system having a plurality of exchanges each accommodating a plurality of terminals and including a frame relay exchange having a packet exchange processing unit and having a network for connecting the plurality of exchanges to each other in order to transfer data among said plurality of terminals, comprising a first step of selecting any one exchange among said plurality of exchanges, a second step of operating said selected exchange as a frame/cell compatible type exchange capable of operating for both outputting input frame relay signals for said frame relay exchange as ATM cell signals and outputting input ATM cell signals as frame relay signals for said frame relay exchange, reversibly, and a third step of executing said first step and second step for an exchange which has not yet been selected and repeating said third step to autonomously shift all said exchanges to said ATM exchanges, wherein, in said second step, whether an opposing exchange or an opposing terminal of an other party of communication operates for frames or operates for cells is registered on said selected exchange side in advance as office data, and the selected exchange is operated as an exchange operating for frames or an exchange operating for cells according to the office data.