Burst-switching nodes using a common-memory or a time shared space switch and employing flow-rate control are disclosed. Within a switching node, data bursts are segmented into data segments of a fixed size with some segments containing information bits as well as null bits. A switching node handles data streams allocated different flow rates and, for any data stream, the internal flow rate through the switching node can be higher than the external flow rate due to null padding of segmented data. The switching node is provided with a sufficient internal capacity expansion in order to offset the effect of null padding. A controller of the switching node is provided with a flow-rate-regulation apparatus to enable scheduling the transfer of data segments across the switching node in a manner that guarantees adherence to the allocated information flow rates.