In a single-segment pseudowire (SS-PW) application, the PSN (packet switched network) layer usually provides protection for the PW. One way is by using an RSVP LSP with FRR (Fast Reroute) backup; another way is an end-to-end backup LSP (Label Switched Path). However, there are some applications where the backup PW terminates on a different target PE node, so PSN protection methods cannot protect against failure of either the target PE (provider edge) node or a remote Access Circuit (AC). It is also important to an operator that a particular PW is preferred, for example, the one with the least latency.

PW redundancy supports Label Distribution Protocol (LDP) PW and manual switchover between primary PW and secondary PW in MTU-s. In the case of PW applications, the PSN layer can provide the protection for PW. Occasionally, a TE (traffic-engineered) LSP signaled by RSVP-TE can be used as a PSN tunnel for a PW. In this scenario, TE can provide FRR to protect the end-to-end LSP in the PSN layer.

FRR-based protection schemes cannot protect against failure of PE nodes and access circuits. However, PW redundancy can protect against these failures. Multi-homed CE (customer edge) devices can be connect between two PE nodes through two access circuits to provide protection. In case of Hierarchical VPLS (HVPLS), the MTU-s can create spoke circuits at the PEs. Any one can be used to protect another.