A method of handling an ADSL connection by an access multiplexer (100), comprising: receiving a data segment to be transmitted by the access multiplexer (100); performing digital processing of the data segment by a digital card (108); locally transferring the digitally processed data segment to a line card (104) separate from the digital card (108); performing at least analog processing of the data segment by the line card (104); and transmitting the analog processed data segment on the ADSL connection.
