FIELD: network communications. SUBSTANCE: base switching unit has hardware switching facility and controller; the latter has processor and memory. Gateway switching unit has base switching unit and gateway unit controller that has processor, memory, and plurality of network interface boards. Actuating switching device has base switching unit incorporating switching controller and processor, memory, and plurality of network interface boards. Method describes operation of these devices. EFFECT: enhanced speed and information capacity of network. 50 cl, 21 dwg, 2 tbl
