1. A telecommunications exchange node comprising: a switching device of a first type through which telecommunications connections are routed between two actual subscribers; an access unit for connecting the switching device to a telecommunications network; and an exchange main processor which uses switch operation logic of a switching device of a second type for generating switch control messages for the switching device of the second type as if the switching device of the second type were to be used for a connection between the actual subscribers, but which translates the switch control messages for use by the switching device of the first type, the switching device of the first type having a switch operation logic which differs from the switch operation logic of the switching device of the second type.