Abstract: An interface element is adapted to interface with a communications network and includes a monitor to monitor the state of the network, and a method of using the interface element. The monitor may monitor the state of the network by monitoring the state of a link or component of the network, by receiving one or more messages regarding the state of the link/component. The monitor may monitor the state of the network by registering any changes in the state of the network or by registering any faults occurring in the network. The monitor may communicate the state of the network to one or more components of the network. The interface element may react to the state/changes in the state of the network. The monitor may comprise a router, running routing protocol software with which the network can communicate, e.g., the Open Shortest Path First routing protocol. The interface element may comprise a host, such as a residential gateway programmable device.