Abstract: A communication network and method is presented that performs line level restoration when an indication of a trunk failure is received. When a trunk failure occurs, the optical cross connect switch detecting the failure signals upstream to a peer optical cross connect switch of the failure occurrence. The optical cross connect switch having the higher router ID performs an alternative trunk query and if an alternative trunk is located, the two nodes located at each end of the failed trunk migrate the eligible label switched paths onto the new trunk.

Abstract: Methods and systems for exchanging information between optical nodes are provided. A method for peer discovery between a first optical node and a second optical node comprises connecting the first optical node and the second optical node with at least two trunks, and sending a packet, which includes an identifier, from the first optical node to the second optical node. A method of establishing Internet Protocol connectivity between a first optical node and a second optical node connected by at least one trunk is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for protecting and recovering configuration information in a node during a configuration mismatch. The configuration mismatch may involve the insertion of a foreign switch management card into a node chassis. The configuration mismatch may alternatively involve a discrepancy between a hardware configuration of the node and the software configuration of the node. A mismatched node notifies a user of the mismatch and prevents mismatched configuration information from being downloaded to the node. The node utilizes default configuration information to maintain a traffic flow during mismatch while the node undergoes recovery procedures.