Abstract: A message aggregation technique converts procedural instructions to object-based format for efficient transfer from a route processor to line cards of an intermediate node, such as an aggregation router. The message technique applies to any situation where it is desirable to reduce a large number of fine resolution command messages, e.g., instructions for programming interfaces on the line cards, transferred by the route processor over a communications medium to the line cards. In addition, the technique permits reuse of extant procedural code while condensing the resultant line card programming messages.