Abstract: A signaling transfer point (STP) includes a communications controller, node maintenance unit, and a plurality of link-interface units, and designates to the individual link-interface units primary responsibility for management of resources coupled to the STP. When one of the resources experiences a problem, a prime link-interface unit for that resource assumes management of the resource and controls communication by the STP with the resource. If a prime link-interface unit fails, either the node maintenance unit or look-up tables within the other link-interface units designate which other link-interface unit will become prime for the resource covered by the failed link-interface unit.