A Network Node

A network node configured to switch data packets between a Remote Radio Unit and a Digital Unit, the network node comprising:

• one or more input ports configured to receive said data packets and receive further packets having a destination other than one of a Remote Radio Unit and a Digital Unit;
• one or more output port configured to transmit said data packets and said further packets;
• and
• a scheduler configured to control transmission from the output port according to a scheduling cycle;
• and
• wherein the scheduler is configured to schedule only said data packets to be transmitted in a first period of the scheduling cycle, and schedule one or more of said further packets to be transmitted in a separate second period of the scheduling cycle.

A method of switching data packets between a Remote Radio Unit and a Digital Unit, the method comprising:

• receiving said data packets and receiving further packets having a destination other than one of a Remote Radio Unit and a Digital Unit;
• identifying said data packets and said further packets;
• allocating said data packets and said further packets to a scheduling cycle;
• and
• transmitting only said data packets in a first period of the scheduling cycle, and transmitting one or more of said further packets in a separate second period of the scheduling cycle.