Device and method for transmitting a plurality of signals by means of multi-stage protocol processing

The invention relates to a device and a method for transmitting a plurality of packet-oriented signals within networks (18, 19), especially for switching and routing in networks (18, 19). Said device comprises a plurality of port units (14) comprising at least one port (15), said ports being able to be connected to the networks; a transmission unit (16) which preferably has the function of a crossbar switch; and at least one first protocol unit (12) which analyses at least part of the signals and determines their destination. The inventive device comprises a plurality of other protocol units (17) which are directly associated with the port units (14) and which classify the signals according to their transmission protocol, in order to independently take on the protocol processing for part of the packets, and to transfer the protocol processing for the other part to the first protocol unit.