A method is provided for providing protection of a local area network (LAN) connection that includes providing first and second LAN cards in a multi-service platform. The first and second LAN cards each include at least one port. The first and second LAN cards are coupled to a network edge device through their respective ports to communicate LAN traffic. The method also includes designating the first LAN card as an active card and the second LAN card as an inactive card. The method further includes detecting a network failure associated with the first LAN card. The method further includes protecting LAN traffic communicated between the second LAN card and the LAN by designating the second LAN card as an active card and the first LAN card as an inactive card.