Service unit for a hub having multiple star interconnect configurations

A service unit for a network element, comprising:

• a first backplane interface to said network element, wherein said first backplane interface conveys payload data using a first communication protocol;
• and
• a second backplane interface to said network element, wherein said second backplane interface conveys payload data using a second communication protocol,
• wherein said first communication protocol is asynchronous transfer mode,
• wherein said second communication protocol is synchronous transfer mode,
• wherein said first backplane interface is to couple with a first star interconnect configuration within said network element, said first star interconnect configuration including a line unit slot,
• wherein said second backplane interface is to couple with a second star interconnect configuration within said network element, said second star interconnect configuration including a switch fabric slot,
• wherein said line unit slot is communicably coupled as a hub to said switch fabric slot and said first backplane interface to form the first star interconnection configuration, and
• wherein said switch fabric slot is communicably coupled as a hub to said line unit slot and said second backplane interface to form the second star interconnection configuration.