Abstract: A method for multicasting data packets is provided. The method includes preparing multiple point to point connections between a root node and multiple destination nodes to establish point to multipoint connections. The method also includes receiving, at an intermediate node which is operatively connected to the root node and a plurality of the destination nodes, a data packet from the root node. In addition, the method includes determining whether the received data packet is a multicast data packet and generating a plurality of the data packets by copying the received data packet if the received data packet is a multicast data packet. Furthermore, the method includes forwarding the copied data packets to a plurality of the destination nodes.

Abstract: A method perfomed by an ingress card includes receiving a packet with a destination identifier, and determining an aggregated link associated with the destination identifier that includes multiple egress ports. The method further includes determining a destination port from the egress ports of the aggregated link, and communicating the packet to the destination port.

Abstract: An apparatus extends Ethernet-over-SONET services to provide point-to-multipoint service. Multiple optical channels are aggregated to form a single high speed channel to an attached router or switch. A traffic aggregation/trunking apparatus for a telecommunications system comprises a plurality of client data communication ports operable to communicate data traffic with client systems, a trunk port operable to communicate data traffic with a switch/router, and a processing block operable to process the communicated data traffic.