Method and apparatus for N+1 RF switch with passive working path and active protection path

The present disclosure relates an improved cable data switching unit that provides a fail-over system whereby one line card can protect a plurality of US (upstream) or DS (downstream) channel line cards, providing N+1 protection, with one linecard being able to protect N number of working linecards. When a failure is detected in a working linecard, the signals being routed by the failing linecards are re-routed seamlessly to a protect linecard. This disclosure provides for data to be passively routed, providing for data flow even if power is lost.