Data transfer module and system using same

Reference is made to commonly assigned copending patent application Ser. No. 09/470,730 filed herewith entitled "METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS SIGNAL ROUTING AND DATA MANAGEMENT in the names of Daniel F. Dlugos, Flavio M. Manduley, David L. Rich, and Stephen J. Sabulis. A system for facilitating communication between customer equipment modules and a third party equipment module through use of the data transfer module is described. The data transfer module includes a communication port for communicating with the third party equipment module, as well as ports and a connector for communicating with customer equipment modules. The data transfer module is portable and allows for the transfer of information to and from itself and any customer equipment module while disconnected from the third party equipment module and, likewise, information can be transferred between the data transfer module and the third party equipment module while disconnected from the customer equipment modules. This portability and ability to transfer information to the customer equipment modules without simultaneous communication to the third party equipment module facilitates use of the system when customer equipment modules are not easily accessible to external communication sources.