A method is provided for protecting a connection between a multi-service platform (MSP) and a local area network (LAN) that includes providing first and second LAN cards in the MSP. The first and second LAN cards are each coupled to the LAN over separate links. The method also includes providing a switch fabric. The switch fabric switches traffic having a synchronous optical network format for communication over a synchronous optical network to which the MSP is coupled. The switch fabric is coupled to the first and second LAN cards. The method further includes establishing a connection between the first and second LAN cards through the switch fabric. The method further includes establishing protection for traffic communicated between the LAN and the first LAN card by aggregating the links between the first and second LAN cards and the LAN.