Apparatus and method for a communication network

A node of a multi-layer communication network, wherein the node is capable of routing a message signal via one or more different layers in the multi-layer communication network, the node comprising:

• a first interface for receiving a path message associated with a message signal being routed, the path message containing routing information for routing the message signal through the multi-layer communication network;
• one or more second interfaces for transmitting a message signal to one or more respective layers in the multi-layer communication network;
• and
• a processing unit adapted to determine if the path message contains protection information indicating that protection switching is to be performed in one or more different layers of the multi-layer communication network, wherein the protection information is to indicate which layer a protection switching mechanism applies, and if so, establish the protection switching mechanism at the node in the one or more indicated layers using the protection information provided in the path message.