DSL methods, e.g. ADSL/SDSL, are increasingly used for quick access to the Internet. A data terminal of the subscriber is connected via a conventional copper twin wire to an access multiplexer by means of a modem. The access multiplexer is placed in an access node of the network provider, which provides the connection for the subscriber. Typically, the digital subscriber lines of a number of subscribers are connected via corresponding interface modules of the access multiplexer. The linking of the access multiplexer to downstream network elements is effected by means of an Ethernet network that is cost-effective with regard to both design and operation.