In an embodiment, a network device obtains a plurality of data packets that are each associated with one of a plurality of different streams, wherein each of the plurality of obtained data packets includes a header portion with stream-specific routing information. The network device strips the stream-specific routing information from the plurality of obtained data packets to produce a plurality of stream-specific payload portions, which are merged into a shared payload portion of a stream-multiplexed data packet that includes common routing information for the plurality of streams in a common header portion. The network device transmits the stream-multiplexed packet to a target device, and the target device determines whether any of the plurality of different streams are relevant to the target UE based on stream-mapping information contained in the stream-multiplexed packet, and selectively decodes and processes the stream-specific payload portions corresponding based on the determination.