Method and apparatus for providing redundant protocol processes in a network element

Apparatus for providing redundant protocol processes in a network element, comprising:

• a first module for receiving at least one lower layer protocol packet at a lower layer task, wherein the at least one lower layer protocol packet includes a higher layer protocol packet encapsulated therein, and for determining a peer network element from which the higher layer protocol packet was received in response to failure of a higher layer protocol task of the first module while processing the higher layer protocol packet;
• a second module coupled to the first module;
• and
• a system controller coupled to the first module and the second module, the system controller for initiating termination of higher layer and lower layer protocol sessions of the second module with the peer network element from which the higher layer protocol packet was received in response to the determining the peer network element from which the higher layer protocol packet was received and for implementing an activity switch from the first module to the second module after the initiating termination of the higher layer and the lower layer protocol sessions with the peer network element from which the higher layer protocol packet was received.