Abstract: A method of adapting synchronous time division multiplexed (TDM) traffic at an interface between a synchronous network in which the traffic is transported in frames identified by corresponding pointers and labels and an asynchronous network in which the adapted traffic is transported in cells, the method comprising mapping said synchronous frames into primary multiplexed groups, mapping each said primary multiplexed group into traffic cells in a respective asynchronous virtual channel, and providing that virtual circuit with a corresponding virtual channel indicator, and wherein said pointers and labels are mapped into one or more separate asynchronous cells for transport ahead or said traffic cells.