An inter-switch interconnect system for interconnecting a packet-capable time division multiplex switch with a non-packet-capable time division multiplex switch through an asynchronous transfer mode network, comprising:
- access concentrator means for interconnecting said asynchronous transfer mode network with a plurality of access trunks that are terminated on said non-packet-capable time division multiplex switch;
- and
- controller means, operable in said packet-capable time division multiplex switch, for controlling the set-up and tear-down of packet connections through said asynchronous transfer mode network to the non-packet-capable time division multiplexed switch.