Abstract: A method is provided for providing protection of a local area network (LAN) connection that includes providing first and second LAN cards in a multi-service platform. The first and second LAN cards each include at least one port. The first and second LAN cards are coupled to a network edge device through their respective ports to communicate LAN traffic. The method also includes designating the first LAN card as an active card and the second LAN card as an inactive card. The method further includes detecting a network failure associated with the first LAN card. The method further includes protecting LAN traffic communicated between the second LAN card and the LAN by designating the second LAN card as an active card and the first LAN card as an inactive card.

Abstract: A method is provided for protecting a connection between a multi-service platform (MSP) and a local area network (LAN) that includes providing first and second LAN cards in the MSP. The first and second LAN cards are each coupled to the LAN over separate links. The method also includes providing a switch fabric. The switch fabric switches traffic having a synchronous optical network format for communication over a synchronous optical network to which the MSP is coupled. The switch fabric is coupled to the first and second LAN cards. The method further includes establishing a connection between the first and second LAN cards through the switch fabric. The method further includes establishing protection for traffic communicated between the LAN and the first LAN card by aggregating the links between the first and second LAN cards and the LAN.

Abstract: A method is provided for protecting a connection between a multi-service platform (MSP) and a local area network (LAN) that includes providing first and second LAN cards in the MSP. The first and second LAN cards are each coupled to the LAN over separate links. The method also includes providing a switch fabric. The switch fabric switches traffic having a synchronous optical network format for communication over a synchronous optical network to which the MSP is coupled. The switch fabric is coupled to the first and second LAN cards. The method further includes establishing a connection between the first and second LAN cards through the switch fabric. The method further includes establishing protection for traffic communicated between the LAN and the first LAN card by aggregating the links between the first and second LAN cards and the LAN.

Abstract: A method is provided for providing protection of a local area network (LAN) connection that includes providing first and second LAN cards in a multi-service platform. The first and second LAN cards each include at least one port. The first and second LAN cards are coupled to a network edge device through their respective ports to communicate LAN traffic. The method also includes designating the first LAN card as an active card and the second LAN card as an inactive card. The method further includes detecting a network failure associated with the first LAN card. The method further includes protecting LAN traffic communicated between the second LAN card and the LAN by designating the second LAN card as an active card and the first LAN card as an inactive card.