1. A computer-implemented method comprising: a processor to accomplish the steps of: transitioning from a first link state that is an active state to a first transition sub-state in response to receiving a command to transition to a second link state that is a protected link state; transitioning from the first transition sub-state to a second transition sub-state in response to receiving a request for transition to the second link state from a link partner; sending an acknowledgement to the link partner; and transitioning to the second link state.