data switching exchange (DSE)

The term data exchange is an older term for a central node in integrated digital networks( IDN).

A data exchange performs switching functions in circuit- or packet-switched networks. In general, these are electronic components in a meshed wide- area network that are responsible for establishing connections, transporting and forwarding data streams. InARPANET, these devices are called interface message processors(IMPs); in transit systems, they are called intermediate systems(ISs) or packet-switching nodes.