Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently transporting DS-X traffic in packet form over an ATM or other packet network. Specifically, virtual connection or slot provisioning and/or cell concentration techniques are used to compact the amount of DS-X traffic broadcast between communications system devices such as the access mux and the communications switch and spare bandwidth. In provisioning, a configured DS-X loading of an end node supporting DS-X traffic is ascertained. In turn, a minimum number of virtual connections for bearing packetized DS-X traffic are established, either at communications system configuration or as needed. In concentration processing, a dynamic association between the virtual connections and the DS-X traffic is established, typically on a per frame basis. Only those digital channels entering the node within a given time frame which actually bear DS-X traffic will be assigned a slot within packet. Concentration may be augmented by provisioning to further reduce bandwidth requirements.

Abstract: A data recording method is provided. The data recording method includes the processes of: receiving multiplexed data including a plurality of programs from an external source; extracting at least one program out of the programs included in the received multiplexed data; and recording the extracted at least one program, wherein each of programs is divided into a plurality of packets, and the programs are time-division multiplexed as the multiplexed data by a unit of the packet.