Abstract: An operation of redundant network elements in a communication network having a back-up-network element associated with each active-network element is provided. A back-up control unit is associated with each back-up-network element, and data sent to the active-network element is sent to the back-up network element. Data is processed separately by the active-network element and by the back-up-network element. Data traffic emitted by the back-up-network element is blocked by the back-up-control unit and the back-up-network element simulates the reaction of the other network elements. The back-up-control unit monitors the active-network element and switches to the back-up-network element in the event of a failure of the active-network element. The databases are created in the active-network element and in the back-up-network element in a parallel and faultless manner due to the introduction of the back-up-control unit. In the event of error, an automatic switchover may be carried out without a long delay time.