A method of adapting synchronous time division multiplexed (TDM) traffic at an
interface between a synchronous network in which the traffic is transported in
frames identified by corresponding pointers and labels and an asynchronous network
in which the adapted traffic is transported in cells, the method comprising mapping
said synchronous frames into primary multiplexed groups, mapping each said primary
multiplexed group into traffic cells in a respective asynchronous virtual channel,
and providing that virtual circuit with a corresponding virtual channel indicator,
and wherein said pointers and labels are mapped into one or more separate asynchronous
cells for transport ahead or said traffic cells.