diff --git a/common/state.h b/common/state.h
index 331b09d..b19280f 100644
--- a/common/state.h
+++ b/common/state.h
@@ -12,8 +12,13 @@
         return activated;
     }
 
+    bool previsouly_connected() {
+        return connected_once;
+    }
+
     void connect() {
         connected_to_voltha = true;
+        connected_once = true;
     }
 
     void disconnect() {
@@ -31,5 +36,6 @@
   private:
     bool connected_to_voltha = false;
     bool activated = false;
+    bool connected_once = false;
 };
 #endif