A path setup method that makes it possible to avoid a failure in path setup even if a state when setting up a path is that a communication device existing in the path is incapable of communication, as well as a communication device using the method, are provided. According to a method for setting up a path through autonomous distributed control in a network in which a plurality of communication devices (NE200 to NE206) are connected, a communication device (NE201) determines whether or not it is possible to communicate with a communication device (NE203) neighboring to the communication device and, if a state is that it is impossible to communicate with the neighboring communication device, converts signaling for setting up a path (P1) passing through the neighboring communication device into signaling for setting a provisional path (P2) detouring around the neighboring communication device.