An Integrated Communication System (ICS) with fail-over serial data
connectivity is disclosed. In one aspect, an ICS may comprise a chassis
including a System Switch Processor (SSP) for providing connectivity to a
plurality of slots. A Serial Alarm Processor (SAP) may be operatively
coupled to the ICS through one of the slots, an include at least one
serial port for providing serial data connectivity. A Primary Single
Board Computer (SBC) and at least one secondary SBC may be disposed in
the slots. The ICS may be configured to pass control of serial data
connectivity from the Primary SBC to a secondary SBC in the event of the
failure of the Primary SBC. Various methods for fail-over serial data
connectivity are also disclosed.