An apparatus (D) is dedicated to processing E1 data frames in communications network equipment (ETPL) including at least one E1 line interface unit (LIU1). The apparatus (D) includes a processor adapted, on receiving from at least one E1 interface unit (LIU1) at least one E1-type frame addressed to a given E1 destination port, to encapsulate that E1-type frame in a payload data field of an Ethernet frame in order to send it to an Ethernet destination port providing access to the given E1 destination port.