System and method for cross connecting an ATM network and a telecommunication switch

A method for cross connecting an ATM network and a telecommunication switch includes receiving ATM cells from the ATM network at a packet sorter and extracting data packets comprising address data and payload data from the ATM cells. Translated addresses are generated based on the address data, and new data packets are created based on the payload data and the translated addresses to create new ATM cells with the new data packets. The new ATM cells are scheduled to be transmitted from the packet sorter to an ATM switch in compliance with an ATM service contract. The new ATM cells are forwarded from the ATM switch to at least one distributed SAR, which converts the new ATM cells into TDM signals and transmits the TDM signals from to the telecommunication switch via at least one TDM port.