Method and apparatus for local path protection

A node configured for a shared alternative path of a network, the node comprising:

• an input interface configured to receive a signal that was previously switched on a primary label switched path (LSP), wherein the signal is switched by at least one of lambda-switching and time-division multiplex TDM switching;
• an output interface configured to forward the signal on the shared alternative path;
• and
• a processor configured to:
• receive identification information arranged to identify the signal, and
• select the output interface, instead of an interface configured to forward the signal on the primary LSP, based on the identification information.

A method of local path protection in a node on a primary path of a network, comprising:

• receiving a signal switched on the primary label switched path (LSP), wherein the signal is switched by at least one of lambda-switching and time-division multiplex TDM switching;
• determining that the signal is to be sent on an alternative path;
• and
• forwarding on the alternative path the signal and identification information arranged to identify the signal, wherein the signal is further to be forwarded, based on the identification information, at a node of an alternative shared path instead of being forwarded on the primary LSP.

A node configured for a primary path of a network, the node comprising:

• an input interface configured to receive a signal switched with a label switched path LSP;
• a processor configured to determine identification information of the signal;
• and
• an output interface configured to transmit the signal and identification information on an alternative path, wherein the signal is further to be forwarded, based on the identification information, at a node of an alternative shared path instead of being forwarded on the primary LSP.