Abstract: Methods and apparatus for allowing containers in an optical transport network to be shared between users are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a first network element that is a part of an optical transport network includes a frame generator and an output arrangement. The frame generator creates a frame with a fixed stuff area that includes a first set of bits that provide channel identification information, a second set of bits that provide justification information, and a third set of bits that indicate either or both payload type information and client signal fail information. The output arrangement places the frame within a container for transport through the optical transport network. The bandwidth of the container is arranged to be utilized by a plurality of network elements including the first network element.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for efficiently managing third-party data communication channel (DCC) channels using an optical network element without an OSI stack in conjunction with an external router are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a gateway network element includes a first port that receives a signal from a network element having a stack associated with a first protocol. The signal includes information contained in a DCC channel. The gateway network element also includes a retrieving mechanism that extracts the information contained in the DCC channel, a second port that supports a point-to-point-over-Ethernet (PPPoE) session with an external router, and a sending mechanism that send the extracted information using the second port through the use of a second protocol.