The present invention is directed toward a distributed intelligence fiber-optic
communication network in which node control processors (NCPs) associated with each
network element periodically transmit identification and status information to
the other NCPs in the network. Various faults in the network can thus be readily
identified, and appropriate tasks for modifying the network in response to the
fault (such as rerouting around a defective network element) can be carried out.
Further, information continues to be distributed among the NCPs even if a break
occurs in a segment of fiber in the network.