Control of multi-layer communication network

Embodiments include methods of controlling a client layer of a multi-layer communication network that also includes a server layer. Such methods include receiving, at a client physical network controller (PNC), an indication of at least one characteristic associated with one or more paths between server network nodes in the server layer. The indication is received from a multi-domain service controller (MDSC) in the multi-layer communication network, and the server layer is controlled by a server PNC. Such methods include, based on the at least one characteristic, computing one or more paths in the client layer that facilitate protection and/or restoration for the one or more paths in the server layer. Other embodiments include complementary methods performed by a MDSC, as well as client PNCs and MDSCs configured to perform such methods.