Abstract: A communication system (50) can include a source node (31) coupled to a peer node (41), a source database (38) and a target database (48) at the peer node, and a logical unit (32 or 42). The logical unit can be programmed to forward data changes from source to peer node, monitor a health status of a replication task (34 or 44) by performing an audit on the source and nodes, and compare the audits on the source and peer nodes. The logical unit can be further programmed to perform at least one among the functions of synchronizing by launching a replication task synchronization thread (52) and a new target database (54) at the peer node and replacing the target database with the new target database upon completion of the synchronizing or switching over to the peer node upon detection of a critical failure at the source node during synchronization.

Abstract: A method and mechanism provide for online testing, replacement, upgrading and modification of portions of a radio communications system 100. A task controller 200 tests and replaces online elements in a task unit. The task unit is generally comprised of a task input queue 208, a task output queue 210, a subagent 204 and a task 206. The task controller 200 checks the functioning of the queues 208 and 210. If either or both are functioning improperly, the task controller 200 may replace one or both online. If both are operating properly, the task controller 200 tests the task 206. If the task 206 is improperly functioning, the task controller 206 replaces the task 206 with another task 402 online. The task controller 200may further replace tasks to upgrade portions of the system.