Diversity constraints with respect to connections or links in a client layer are conveyed to a server layer where those links or connections are served by paths in the server layer. A network device in the server layer stores data associated paths in the server layer with identifiers for connections in the client layer. The network device in the server layer receives from a network device in the client layer a request to set up a path in the server layer for a connection in the client layer. The network device in the server layer receives information describing the diversity requirements associated with connections in the client layer. The server layer network device computes a route in the server layer for the connection specified in the request based on the diversity requirements.