Lines within an aggregated link extending between network elements in a communications system are monitored for faults. Once a fault is detected on a particular line carrying a control channel, an alternative line is selected and control channel is transmitted on the alternative line. Once a control channel is received at a remote end on a new line, the control channel is reassigned to that line. In an alternative embodiment, the control channel is split into separate channels carrying routing and signaling information, respectively. The separate routing and signaling channels are carried by separate lines, but can be reassigned to other lines in response to a fault. Further, the routing information can be carried by multiple lines in an alternating pattern such as a round robin fashion.