In an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) network, if an originating terminal notifies necessity or unnecessity of transmitting a fault notification signal through a call set-up message, the content of the notification is notified to respective node devices on a target virtual path (VP) in the procedures of transmission/reception of a call control message. Each of the node devices makes a virtual channel (VC) table of a line interface 100 corresponding to the VP store the information indicating necessity or unnecessity to transmit a fault notification signal. When a fault arises in the VP, one of the node devices on the downstream side detects the fault, its interface connected to the fault VP sees the VC table and determines the necessity or unnecessity of fault management operation and maintenance (OAM) cell support with respect to respective VCs multiplexed on the fault VP, so as to issue a fault management OAM cell with respect to only VCs regarded as necessary.