1. A method of aligning a plurality of transmission lanes with a plurality of reception lanes in a data transmission system, comprising: transmitting a plurality of control symbols and lane identifiers on each of the transmission lanes; time-division multiplexing the control symbols and lane identifiers onto a data link; demultiplexing the control symbols and lane identifiers onto the plurality of reception lanes; monitoring one of the reception lanes for a control symbol; upon receipt of a control symbol, awaiting receipt of a lane identifier; upon receipt of a lane identifier, comparing the received lane identifier with the identity of the reception lane being monitored; and rotating a lane assignment if the received lane identifier does not match the identity of the reception lane being monitored.