Abstract: Partial updates to an improved DDS are enabled by a framework API that enables different threads to asynchronously access a topic, while maintaining integrity of the topic in the improved DDS. New fields in a topic of the improved DDS may be added by new DDS publishers for the topic without altering the functionality of existing DDS publishers for the topic.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a network element comprising a first card configured to receive a duplicatively split first signal comprising a data component and a management component, and further configured to receive and transmit a duplicatively split second signal, and a similar second card. The network element also includes a selector configured to select either the first card or the second card to receive the management component of the first signal and to detect a change in designation between the first card and the second card to transmit the second signal. The selector is also configured to modify the selection to select the card designated to transmit the second signal to also receive the management component of the first signal. The disclosure also includes associated methods and systems.