A purely branched network with decentralized switching using glass fiber channels is discussed. A concise survey is given of the possibilities applying wide-band transmission lines, especially glass fibers, in a communication system, with regard to the integration of services. A purely branched wide-band network with subscribers connected to the lines according to the method of time division multiple access shows some considerable advantages in comparison with conventional systems. A particular system based on this procedure is described Where each subscriber's station has its own control unit instead of a centralized common control. Multiplexing, network synchronization, and the algorithm to set up a connection are explained. It is shown that this system automatically adapts the distribution of low-band transmission channels and wideband channels to the traffic offered.