A hierarchical scheduler architecture for use with an access node terminal disposed in an access network portion. Ingress flows aggregated via a plurality of aggregation layers are switched through an ATM fabric that segregates flow cells based on service priority categories (planes). Thus, a two-dimensional scheduler employs arbitration on a per-aggregation layer, per-service priority basis, wherein each layer is responsible for selecting the most eligible flow from the constituent flows of that layer, which is forwarded to the next layer for arbitration. A service-based arbiter selects overall winner cells for emission through the fabric from winner cells generated for each service plane.