Abstract: A device and method for routing separate data flows to subscribers on a content distribution network are provided. The device includes a group of access modules having signal processing circuitry each coupled to a corresponding interface unit. The interface units are coupled in a daisy chain configuration. The access modules include at least first and second active access modules and a spare access module. The group being configured for normal mode operation in which the first active access module processes a first data flow and the second active access module processes a second data flow, and the group being configured for sparing event mode operation in which the first data flow is automatically switched to the second active access module and the second data flow is automatically switched to the spare access module.

Abstract: A device and method for routing separate data flows to subscribers on a content distribution network are provided. The device includes a group of access modules having signal processing circuitry each coupled to a corresponding interface unit. The interface units are coupled in a daisy chain configuration. The access modules include at least first and second active access modules and a spare access module. The group being configured for normal mode operation in which the first active access module processes a first data flow and the second active access module processes a second data flow, and the group being configured for sparing event mode operation in which the first data flow is automatically switched to the second active access module and the second data flow is automatically switched to the spare access module.

Abstract: A telephonic switching system (11) with a switch (10) controlled by a central processing unit (12) to interconnect interior communication units (14) and exterior telephonic units (16) in accordance with data in a shared data memory (18) with data that is alterable in response to signals generated by the communication units. A data memory access system (23) periodically shifts access to the data memory (18) from one special process to another successive special process in a process memory (20). The data memory access system (23) prevents the normal periodic shifting of access to the data memory (18) during a period when the special process with access is enabled to access and alter shared data.