Patent ID: 6842451

Claim:
A network node ( 10 ) for switching digital information of different protocol types with a plurality of modules ( 12 -x, 13 -x, 14 -x) which are arranged in an input stage ( 12 ), a central stage ( 13 ) and an output stage ( 14 ), each module ( 12 -x) of the input stage ( 12 ) being connected to each module ( 13 -x) of the central stage ( 13 ) and each module ( 13 -x) of the central stage ( 13 ) being connected to each module ( 14 -x) of the output stage ( 14 ), characterised in that a uniform interface ( 15 ) for all protocol types is provided between the input stage ( 12 ) and the central stage ( 13 ) and between the central stage ( 13 ) and the output stage ( 14 ), that each of the modules ( 13 -x) of the central stage ( 13 ) is designed for one protocol type, and that the interfaces ( 15 ) comprise means for forwarding information as a function of the protocol type to a module ( 13 -x) of the central stage ( 13 ) adapted thereto.