Distributed switching

Distributed switching: Switching in which many processor-controlled switching units are distributed, usually close to concentrations of users, and operated in conjunction with a host switch.

Note: Distributed switching provides improved communications services for concentrations of users remote from the host switch, and reduces the transmission requirements, i.e. , the traffic, between such concentrations and the host switch.

Source: from Federal Standard 1037C and from MIL-STD-188