Method and system of insuring that a user receives a multicast television signal when changing channels during a control mode switch over

In a communications network, an end user (set top box) can leave a first group, join a second group (change television channels), and receive data from the second group (new television channel) while a control module of the communications network is unavailable. The network detects when the control module is unavailable and, when unavailable, generates and responds to control information sent in data packets over the switching network.