Remote status forwarding in a distributed cross-connection system

A component configured to provide status to a plurality of distributed components in a communication network, said component interfacing with a unified cross connect fabric configured to provide an interface between the component and the plurality of distributed components, said unified cross connect fabric interacting with a defect indication cross connect fabric configured to process remote defect indications, the component comprising:

• a high order termination and adaptation path configured to receive high order data;
• a low order termination and adaptation path configured to receive low order data;
• and
• incoming and outgoing remote defect indication paths that receive remote defect status and transmit at least one remote defect indication using the defect indication cross connect fabric in parallel with the high order termination and adaptation path and the low order termination and adaptation path.

A method for providing component status of a local component to a distributed component in a communication network, comprising:

• determining defect status for the local component;
• cross connecting the defect status for the local component to at least one distributed component separate from the local component;
• and
• altering a connection matrix maintained within each distributed component to indicate defect status for a transmit channel between the local component and the remote component.

A system comprising:

• at least one component;
• at least one line card comprising:
• a framer;
• and
• a controller;
• and
• a fabric configured to provide intercommunication between the line card and the at least one component, wherein the fabric comprises:
• a high order termination and adaptation path configured to receive high order data;
• a low order termination and adaptation path configured to receive low order data;
• and
• incoming and outgoing remote defect indication paths that receive remote defect status and transmit at least one remote defect indication using a defect indication cross connect fabric in parallel with the high order termination and adaptation path and the low order termination and adaptation path.