Abstract: There is provided method and apparatus for transferring data packets between a first network and a second network using a node arrangement. The node arrangement has at least two primary nodes connected to the second network. Each primary node is connected to the first network using a respective first port and to a secondary node coupled to the second network using respective second ports. The second ports are arranged into respective link aggregation groups. The primary nodes are connected by respective inter-node ports. The method comprises the step of determining a service identifier associated with a packet received at a said primary node from the first network. The method comprises the further step of switching the packet to the second network using the respective second ports or to the other primary node using the inter-node port dependent on a service identifier associated with said packet.

Abstract: A method of providing data from a first network 100 to a second network wherein a first PEJ and a second PEK node are provided in the first network 100 and are each capable of supplying data to the second network, wherein: i. at any one time one of the first PEJ and second PEK nodes provides data to the second network; and ii. the first PEJ and second PEK nodes are arranged to communicate with one another such that the other of the nodes can provide data to the second network if a fault is detected, wherein the communications between the first and second node allow a fault to be detected.