1. System for switching data between terminals of a communications network, comprising: memory and management means for storing a dynamic model of the network and providing management of this model, the model being constituted by a set of objects (Oi) which are representative of a present-time state elements of the network at a given moment and which posses properties (Pj) defining present-state characteristics of these elements at that moment, means for manipulating the objects and adapted to create new objects, modify existing objects, or delete existing objects in the model to reflect temporal re-configuration of the network, and an interface between the memory and management means and hardware elements of the network.