Arrangement and method for handling data structures during their flow through a network node.

In a node of a communication network, all information sections of the processed data structure, including pre, post and parallel span, header and information fields can be selectively read by means of a reading mask (12) associated with the reading device (11). A combination of a writing device (14) and a writing mask (15) serves to selectively describe the data structure in all information sections. The length of the header or trailer may be increased to increase the capacity of the data structure's information acquisition. In the line path between an input interface (10) and the writing device (14) an adjustable delay device (13) is arranged, in which the data structure can be read in undivided. A microprocessor (25) is connected to all processing units (10..17,