Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling restoration of connections upon failure within a high-speed data transfer architecture, such as SONET/SDH channel, is provided. The design detects health codes generated by detecting elements, the health codes representing the health of each channel. The design processes these health codes to determine re-provisioning of the failing connection where appropriate. This restoration decision-making apparatus communicates the resultant re-provisioning scheme to repairing elements. The design may detect and communicate health codes relating the health of each channel to determine which code reports a healthier channel among a plurality of transport channels available for carrying re-provisioned traffic due to a failed connection.

Abstract: A method and system for providing component status of a local or receiving component to a distributed component in a communication network is provided. The design determines defect status for the local or receiving component and cross connects the defect status for the local component to at least one distributed component separate from the local or receiving component, typically using a unified cross connect design. The design also alters a connection matrix maintained within each distributed component to indicate defect status for a transmit channel between the local component and the remote component. Remote defect indications may be determined within the design and provided to the remote components.