Techniques for emulating a time division multiplexed (TDM) circuit using a packet switched network are described. First and second packet nodes are installed in a communication network. The first TDM node and second TDM node form a first span in the TDM circuit. First and second fiber connections are disconnected from the first and second TDM nodes, and connected to the first and second packet nodes. A portion of TDM data transmission across the first span is emulated using a packet connection formed by the first packet node and the second packet node. The TDM data transmission includes transport overhead data, and the packet connection emulates the transport overhead data.