The PSX-5300 Protection Switch provides the user with automatic N by Narrowband and Broadband card protection. This automatic detection provides immediate backup for a problem module by switching the connections to a standby module, eliminating long down time and the need for immediate feet on the street. The standby module assumes all of the cross connections and maps of the deficient module at the time of switchover. The user is aware of the switchover by many different methods: front LED indicators on the modules, the alarm LEDs on the System Manager Card (SMC) II, the auto alarm indicators, or the node summary screen which is available via telnet, or terminal connection.