Method and apparatus for operation of redundant network elements in a communication network

The method involves assigning of back-up network element (MGCb) to each active network element (MGC) whereby a back-up control unit (STEb) is provided for each back-up network element. The data, which are sent to the active network elements are parallely sent to the back-up network elements. These data of the active network elements and back-up network elements are processed separately, and the data traffic sent from the back-up network element is blocked by the back-up control unit and the back-up network element stimulates the reaction of the another network element (NE1,NE2,NE3). An independent claim is also included for the system.