Abstract: The present invention is a method to protect a cross-connect OXC/OEXC used to forward at least one signal AB from a main input IN to a main output OUT. Said method comprises the following step: dividing the at least one signal AB into two substantially identical signal parts, a first signal part A and a corresponding signal part B; routing the at least one first signal part A through a first cross-connect OXC1/OEXC1, from the input IN to the output OUT; detection of a failure affecting the at least one first signal part A; interruption of the routing path for the at least one first signal part A; routing the at least one corresponding signal part B through a second cross-connect OXC2/OEXC2, from the input IN to the output (OUT).