Networks for exchanging packet signals between first network-units (1) like access providers and/or access multiplexers coupled to terminals and second network-units (2) like service providers and/or gateways coupled to further networks can be improved by providing a network with a pooled connection (3) having a capacity smaller than a sum of all terminal-capacities, which sum equals the capacity necessary in case all terminals communicate via the network at the same time. This pooled connection (3) is located between said first (1) and second (2) network-unit and is managed by a manager (23) in said second network-unit (2). By providing a first network-unit (1) with a router (12) managed by a manager (13), control traffic can be routed transparently to said second network-unit (2). By providing a manager (23) in the second network-unit (2) with a controller (28), the capacity of said pooled connection (3) can be controlled and guarded.