Multiple control ports allow for management of the ENS from many local and remote sites by several simultaneous operators without a bottleneck in the management system. Optional two-way, direct link to NetView permits integration and automation of all switch activities. Sparing, Test Access, Broadcast and Network Rearrangement are four of the most popular examples. This makes sparing of devices having many port connections a one-step operation. The operator can substitute standby front-end processors, packet switches, and multiplexers, as easily as single line devices like modems and analog circuits.
Operators can construct customized alerts based on any port's control, clock or data signals.
Operators, relieved of this monitoring task, have more time for other duties. This technique is highly cost-effective when the devices being spared fail infrequently and are themselves expensive. Monitoring capability allows them to check in-use circuits. Test capability allows them to stress and individual circuit with a BERT or protocol-specific test. Loop backs set by the ENS in the access units allow the network manager to segment the circuit to determine which part is faulty.