Devices and methods for processing data transmission units (DTUs) that are
either entering or exiting a network. A device having multiple processor modules
is provided along with a controller and an interface for the multiple processors.
Each processor can work on any one of the connection levels and can independently
process incoming or outgoing DTUS. Each processor module can perform the required
calculations and data manipulation required for BIP 8 calculation, binning, and
trail trace identifier validation. The controller receives the incoming or outgoing
DTUS and assigns these DTUS to the appropriate processor module that is working
on that connection. Connections can be added or dropped as required by the controller
which also handles the assignment of the processor modules to the connections.
Furthermore, also provided is an offset scheme for the numbering of the connection
levels that avoids a zero connection level that may arise due to an AIS event.