Optionally, in an embodiment, all fields of M overhead code blocks in overhead code blocks transmitted over each physical connection are used for the management channel, and M is a positive integer.
That is, the M code blocks are used for the management channel, or the management channel occupies the M code blocks, including synchronization headers of the M code blocks.
Optionally, in an embodiment, the management channel is used to transmit the content of the timeslot configuration table by using an Ethernet packet, and synchronization headers of the M overhead code blocks are used for synchronization of the Ethernet packet.
Certainly, alternatively, the management channel may use a packet of another protocol, such as an HDLC packet or a PPP packet. Synchronization of such a packet may be performed by using a specific synchronization manner of the another protocol.
Optionally, in an embodiment, the management channel is a management channel of each physical connection, different physical connections in the physical connection group correspond to different management channels, and content of a timeslot configuration table used by any physical connection in the physical connection group is transmitted by using a management channel corresponding to the any physical connection.
Specifically, alternatively, the management channel of each physical connection may be referred to as a separated management channel of each physical connection. That is, one management channel is used to transmit related information of only one physical connection.