A system and method selectively establishes data communications, such as XDSL services, between data devices and a network switch. Status of the data devices are monitored and active data devices are connected to a data branch for data communications. Data devices which are inactive may remain connected to the data branch, if available, or may be switched to a pilot branch. While disconnected from the pilot branch, the system may detect a signal from the data device indicating that the device is going active. If pilot signals are being used, the pilot signals between a data device and the network switch are monitored to determine when the data device is going active. Once detected, the data device is connected to the data branch. Alternately, if pilot signals are not being used, the system monitors the connection with the data device for any signals, such as a wake-up signal, which indicates that the data device is going active.