Abstract: In an Optical Transport Network communication device using a plurality of forward error correction (FEC) algorithms, a method is provided for auto negotiating an FEC algorithm between network-connected devices. The first device sends an FEC auto negotiation (AN) request message to a second device. If the first device receives the FEC AN response from the second device, the first device selects the FEC algorithm suggested in the FEC AN response. In the event that the first device is unable to negotiate a mutually agreed upon FEC algorithm with the second device, the first device enters a trial-and-error mode, beginning with a first FEC algorithm. The first device iteratively cycles through each of the plurality of n FEC algorithms, and measures error statistics associated with the nth FEC algorithms. The first device compares the n sets of error statistics and selects an FEC algorithm associated with the minimum number of errors.