The present invention provides a method for sending and receiving the network management messages and/or the control messages, that is, using GFP protocol in stead of conventional LAPD protocol, predetermining the mapping relationship between the values of UPI field in GFP protocol and the types of the data including the network management messages and/or the control messages, furthermore, filling the UPI field of GFP protocol based on the corresponding mapping relationship, encapsulating the network management messages and/or the control messages via GFP protocol into SDH/SONET, PDH or OTN, and transmitting the encapsulated data. GFP protocol is a universal protocol, allowing for inter-operation of the network management messages and the control messages between the equipments of different manufacturers.