Apparatus and Method for Switching Information Trasported using a Hierarchical Data Structure

A switching apparatus is provided for switching information transported using a hierarchical data structure, the hierarchical data structure comprising at least first and second order data flows, The switching apparatus comprises an input stage (210) comprising at least one input switching unit (21 11 to 21 1 H), and an output stage (230) comprising at least one output switching unit (2311 to 231 H). A central stage (220) is coupled between the input stage (210) and the output stage (230), the central stage (220) comprising a central switching unit (221 ). The at least one input switching unit (21 11 to 21 1 H) and the at least one output switching unit (2311 to 231 H) are configured to switch first order data flows contained within second order data flows. The central switching unit (221 ) is configured to switch only second order data flows, wherein the second order data flows have a higher order than the first order data flows.