A node 800 of a multi-layer communication is capable of routing a message signal via one or more different layers (for example a PSC layer, TDM layer, LSC layer) in the multi-layer communication network. The node 800 comprises a first interface 801 for receiving a path message 803 containing routing information for routing an associated message signal through the multi-layer communication network. One or more second interfaces 805i to 805N are provided for transmitting a message signal to one or more respective layers in the multi-layer communication network. A processing unit 807 is adapted to determine if the path message 803 contains protection information 40 indicating that protection switching is to be performed in one or more different layers of the multi-layer communication network, and if so, establish a protection switching mechanism in the one or more different layers using the protection information 40 provided in the path message 803.