A first network device creates a protection path to a second network device associated with a first service site, and creates a pseudowire between the first service site and a second service site via the first network device and the second network device. The first network device also detects a failure between the first network device and the first service site, and forwards traffic, provided by the pseudowire between the first service site and the second service site, via the protection path. The second network device uses the traffic on the protection path as a trigger to activate a link between the second network device and the first service site.