In some alternatives, the first and the second communication devices 200a, 200b may determine designations using a second communication channel other than an FSOC link. When the FSOC link between the first and second communication devices 200a, 200b is lost due to misalignment of the first and second communication devices 200a, 200b, a second communication channel existing between the first and second communication devices 200a, 200b may be used to transmit and receive information. For example, the second communication channel may be a satellite uplink, radiofrequency dish links, or between another set of transducers. Upon detection of a misalignment of the first and second communication devices 200a, 200b, the first communication device 200a may request and receive information from the second communication device 200b relevant to determining a designation, and the second communication device 200b may request and receive the same from the first communication device 200a.