A layer of network elements is provided between already existing physical networks and service providers or users. The network elements communicate via interfaces not only with each other, but also with the physical networks which are connected to them. This layer, which is implemented by network elements distributed in the network, enables the network user to access the existing network resources available in the physical, subjacent networks. This enables all available basic and value-added services to be used. The required and generated data are collected separately according to users or service providers in the relevant physical networks, and are managed and made available for further processing.