A method of realigning a node in a label switched network comprising a plurality of nodes and a node with a processor, a memory, and a network interface, for carrying out the method. The method includes periodically maintaining backup path status information for the node, restarting the node, and re-establishing label switched paths with the plurality of nodes using the backup status information. Communication with adjacent nodes is carried out in order to reconcile the path status information with respective path status information in the adjacent nodes in order to establish node realignment preferably judged against a threshold value for path reliability.