Method and apparatus for multi-layer network in sonet /sdh

A method for routing in a multilayer network, comprising: determining types implemented at each node (12) of a network (10) signal, classifying each type of signal according to a signal speed and capacity and associating with a layer of routing connection (20, 22, 24) different in the network (10), each routing layer connection (20, 22, 24) one or more nodes (12) operable to route signals transport network according to a respective type of signal; determine connection capabilities for each signal type and connection routing layer (20, 22, 24) supported at each node (12) network (10) and each link (14) of each node (12); determine the availability of connection capacity; broadcast signal types, connection capabilities, and availability from each node (12) to each neighboring node (12) network (12) within and between connection routing layers (20, 22, 24); calculate a route from a transport signal from a source (12) node to a destination (12) node through different layers routing connection (20, 22, 24) of the network (10) in response to the types of signal connection capabilities and widespread availability.