Routing in a hierarchical communication network

The invention relates to a method of selecting routes in a communications network comprising a number of mutually isolated areas (A1, A2, A3, A4) at a first level, which areas are mutually linked at a second level, and in which network routing devices (R1-1, R1-2, ..., R2-5) are provided at both levels. For selecting a route from a first area (e.g. A1) to a second area (e.g. A4), in said method use is made of routing information, stored in the routing devices (R1-1, R1-2, ...) of the first level, relating to the first level and to reaching the nearest routing device (e.g. R2-5) of the second level. According to the invention, use is also made, in the routing devices of the first level, of routing information relating to the second level. The invention also provides a hierarchical communications network in which said method is applied.