Efficient packet traffic transmission equipment is provided by enhancing the transmission equipment already implemented in a carrier to have the packet processing function, with a reduced number of cross-connects for 1:n (point-to-multipoint) connection between nodes. Transmission equipment includes a switch board having a cross-connect portion for making a multiplexed packet signal to branch to predetermined paths; and a plurality of interface boards for interfacing the cross-connect portion with a multiplexed signal being transmitted on a path, wherein at least one of the plurality of interface boards is a dedicated interface board having a path switch function of demultiplexing the multiplexed packet signal to each packet to route the demultiplexed packet signal to a predetermined path.

 
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> Method and apparatus for supporting operations and maintenance functionality in an optical burst switching network

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