systems and methods for switching communications across different data link layer protocols are provided . a switch which supports a first data link layer protocol can support differentiated services for a second data link layer protocol without performing routing in the second data link layer protocol . the differentiated services are provided by mapping a connection of the first data link layer protocol onto one of a plurality of connections of a second data link layer protocol . the mapping of frames is based on the connection carrying the frames of the first data link layer protocol and a type of service associated with the frames . the frames of the first data link layer protocol are forwarded to another switch using one of a plurality of connections based on the mapping .