A first network element that is to be coupled with a second network element over a first network in the same domain is described. The first network element includes a connectivity check detection module and a connectivity check fault state change module. The connectivity check detection module detects, according to a first protocol, a connectivity status of a local maintenance endpoint on a second network changing between not active and active. The connectivity check fault state change module creates and sends a first fault state change message, according to a second protocol, in response to the connectivity status of the local maintenance endpoint changing from not active to active instead of forwarding connectivity check messages periodically received by the first network element to a remote maintenance endpoint coupled to the second network element over a third network.