Abstract: A method of providing failover processing between a first element and a second element in a data communications network, the method comprising configuring a first channel and a second channel between the first and second elements, the first and second channels comprising different physical data paths, receiving at the first element, via the first channel, first data signals representative of functioning statuses of the second element, the first channel being configured to allow a non-optimal, partly functioning status of the second element to be communicated to the first element; and receiving at the first element, via the second channel, second data signals representative of functioning statuses of the second element, the second channel being configured to allow a failed functioning status of the second element to be communicated to the first element; and conducting failover processing based on both the first and second data signals.