Abstract: In a transmission network having electronically-controlled switchable nodes, with network path information stored therein, a method is provided to control and monitor established signal paths and to switch the signal paths even in those cases where a central network management is not available, either in the set-up phase or due to a failure. In this method, at both end points of the path, an identification is inserted into the digital signal to be transmitted, which identifies the source node of the path and its input port as well as the destination node of the path and its output port. This identification is received and checked in the subsequent network node and is passed on to the respective next network node. The latter also checks the received identification and sends it to the next network node in the destination direction. In this way, the established path is monitored, and alternative paths can be rapidly set up in the event of a failure or disturbance.