US Patent 7706686 Router with resource add-drop functionality

A router includes a first processing module (1) adapted to route primary resources as a function of instructions received, inputs (2) adapted to feed the first processing module (1) with primary resources, outputs (3) adapted to collect primary resources switched by said first processing module (1), a second processing module (6) adapted to process secondary resources to be added or dropped, and coupling means (9) including a drop bus (8) and/or an add bus (7) and adapted, on the instructions of the control means (15), to drop either the whole of a primary resource arriving at one of said inputs (2) and/or outputs (3) or a portion thereof to feed said second processing module (6), and/or to add a secondary resource processed by said second processing module to a primary resource received at one of said inputs (2) and/or outputs (3) and in transit to a common destination.