The invention relates to a method for allocating at least one user data link to a multiplex connection provided between a first network element and a second network element. According to the method, the first network element generates a first signaling message and transmits the same to the second network element, the first signaling message indicating to the second network element that the first network element is available to transfer the at least one respective user data link via one respective multiplex connection. The second network element assigns one multiplex connection between the first network element and the second network element to each of the at least one user data link or selects a transfer outside a multiplex connection for the user data link in accordance with the indicated availability of the first network element and depending on whether the second network element supports the transfer of the at least one user data link via multiplex connection. The possibility of allocating the at least one user a data link to a multiplex connection is indicated to the first network element by a second signaling message that is generated in the second network element and is transmitted to the first network element.