Patent ID: 6999408

Claim:
A network processing system, comprising: a primary line interface unit configured to interface with communication lines; a primary processing subsystem configured to process data received over the communication lines; and a primary cross-connect switch coupled between the primary line interface unit and the primary processing subsystem configurable to disconnect the primary line interface unit from the primary processing subsystem and connect a secondary line interface unit to the primary processing subsystem or connect a secondary processing subsystem to the primary line interface unit a secondary cross-connect switch coupled between the secondary line interface unit and the secondary processing subsystem, the primary cross-connect switch configurable to connect either one of the primary line interface unit and the primary processing subsystem to the secondary cross-connect switch and the secondary cross-connect switch configurable to connect either one of the secondary line interface unit and secondary processing subsystem to the primary cross-connect switch, wherein the primary processing subsystem is automatically disconnected by the primary cross-connect switch from the primary line interface unit and the secondary processing subsystem is automatically connect through the primary and secondary cross-connect switches to the primary line interface unit.