DSL backchannel data and/or information is transported upstream in a vectored, bonded line DSL system. Backchannel data (e.g., error samples or the like from downstream-end DSL equipment) is encapsulated/packetized using Layer 2 encapsulation. Upstream user data is packetized into Ethernet packets or the like. The backchannel data and upstream user data are combined and the combined data transmitted to an upstream-end DSL apparatus, such as an access node. The combined data are separated in the upstream-end DSL apparatus so that the upstream user data can be processed further. The Layer 2 encapsulated backchannel data is decapsulated and then routed to a vectoring control entity or the like for use in operating the DSL system, for example in mitigating FEXT crosstalk in the DSL system's operation.