Mapping of packets between links of trunk groups using Mux/Demux devices

摘要

A method and apparatus for mapping packets received over a first trunk group comprising n links to a second trunk group comprising m links. A first Mux/Demux device receives packets over the n communication links at n corresponding input ports. The first Mux/Demux device inserts within each received packet a port identifier tag that identifies the port on which the respective packet is received. The packets are transmitted over a communications link for receipt by a second Mux/Demux device. The second Mux/Demux device has m output ports for communicating over the m links of the second trunk group. A port translation table is maintained at the second Mux/Demux device. The port translation table is indexed by the port identifier tag within the received packets to identify which of the m output ports of the second Mux/Demux device should be employed for transmission of the respective packet.