A method for enabling network elements (NEs) operating at a bit rate R1 to communicate with NEs operating at a bit rate R2 is described. A ratio of R2 to R1 is represented by a ratio M:N, M and N are positive integers, and M>N. The method includes providing a number M×K of the NEs operating at a bit rate R1, each of the M×K NEs including a communication interface communicating at the bit rate R1, where K is a positive integer, providing a number N×K of transceivers operating at the bit rate R2, each of the N×K transceivers including an M:N electrical interface which enables translation between bit rates whose ratio is represented by the ratio M:N, bypassing the communication interfaces of the M×K NEs by interconnecting electrical lanes of the M×K NEs with the M:N electrical interfaces of the N×K transceivers, and using at least one of the N×K transceivers for communicating data between at least one of the M×K NEs interconnected with the at least one of the N×K transceivers and at least one of the NEs operating at the bit rate R2. Related apparatus and methods are also described.