Abstract: A network communication system includes a packet translator operatively connected between a tributary network port and a trunk network port. A tributary format is communicated through the tributary network ports and includes tributary packets that each include a header field and a data field. An aggregate format is communicated through the trunk network port, and includes a packet that includes an aggregate header field and the data fields.

Abstract: A system for connecting telephony equipment to computer network equipment includes a telephony interface module adapted to accept at least one telephony connection from a telephony network. A computer network interface module is adapted to accept at least one data connection from a computer network. A signal processing module is adapted to alter data to be transferred between the computer network interface module and the telephony interface module. A bypass mechanism is adapted to transfer data between the telephony interface module, the computer network interface module, and the signal processing module while bypassing a host processor connected to the telephony interface module, the computer network interface module, and the signal processing module.