An SDH network has a network management system to monitor the functionality of SDH network elements in the SDH network. The SDH network is arranged to transport Ethernet information in SDH format across the SDH network, and is at least partially situated at a host site. An Ethernet network is situated at a user site. An SDH network element converts the SDH format Ethernet information into Ethernet format information for transportation between the host and user sites via a link. An Ethernet network element receives the Ethernet format information. The SDH network element can request the status of the Ethernet network element when the SDH network element is required to update the SDH network management system with status information on the functionality of the SDH network element and the Ethernet network element.