In one embodiment, a local network device transmits a connectivity verification protocol control message over a link to a remote network device to attempt to establish a connectivity verification protocol session with the remote network device. In response to non-receipt of a returned connectivity verification protocol control message from the remote network device, the local network device determines that there is an inability to establish a connectivity verification protocol session with the remote network device. The local network device then sends a connectivity verification protocol echo message over the link to the remote network device without establishment of a connectivity verification protocol session. The echo message is sent using a forwarding protocol. In response to receipt of a reply to the connectivity verification protocol echo message from the remote network device, the local network device determines that the forwarding protocol is functioning and uses the link to forward data traffic to the remote network device.