The use of a free space electron switch in a telecommunications network

a [subject] and a [solution means] -- the communications system (400) which includes one or more free-space electronic branch exchanges (12). A free-space electronic branch exchange (12) uses the array (70) of an electronic emitter (72), and each emitter (72) answers the RF signal or the optical input signal on an input channel. Each emitter (72) includes the cathode (88) which answers an input signal and emits electrons (82). Furthermore, each emitter (72) includes the focal accelerating electrode (98) which collects and accelerates the emitted electron and is made into an electron beam (82). Each emitter includes the aim anode (102) which turns an electronic (82) beam to the detector (80) of the request in the array of a detector (76) further, and a detector (76) changes an electronic (82) beam into the RF signal and light signal by which it is denoted on an output channel. Each emitter (72) may include the modulating electrode (94) which generates electric field and modulates data on an electronic (82) beam. The communications systems which use this switchboard may be ISDN, a DSLAM network, a Paquette routing system, an ADSL network, a PBX system, an exchange system in an office, etc. [Selection figure] Fig. 1