Network element

A method for operating a network element, wherein the network element comprises at least one switch, which is configurable to connect a subscriber line to one of a first service line or a second service line, the method comprising the steps:

• determining a signature tone based on a signal conveyed to the network element across the second service line, wherein the signal, transmitted by a line card connected to the second service line, comprises a Direct Current (DC) voltage as well as the signature tone indicating that a current connection of the at least one switch to one of the first service line or the second service line is to be toggled to connect the at least one switch to a different one of the first service line or the second service line,
• configuring a connection of the subscriber line to one of the first service line or the second service line, including toggling the at least one switch from the first service line to the second service line based on the signature tone.

A method for operating a system comprising two or more switches, wherein each switch is configurable to connect a subscriber line to one of a first service line or a second service line, a control circuitry for controlling the two or more switches, an MSAN comprising two or more second service lines, a dedicated service line of the MSAN connecting one port of the MSAN with the control circuitry, the method comprising:

• conveying a signal via the dedicated service line, wherein the signal, transmitted by a line card connected to the dedicated service line, comprises a Direct Current (DC) voltage as well as a signature tone indicating that a current connection of a particular switch to one of the first service line or the second service line is to be toggled to connect the particular switch to a different one of the first service line or the second service line;
• determining the signature tone based on the signal;
• controlling by the control circuitry the two or more switches based on the signature tone.