A protocol is provided being executed with a redundancy of 1:1. As a result, an identical clone, with identical hardware, identical software and an identical data base, is allocated to each switching system to be protected, as a redundancy partner. Switching is carried out in a quick, secure and automatic manner by a superordinate, real-time enabled monitor which establishes communication with the switching systems which are arranged in pairs. In the event of communication loss with respect to the active communication system, real-time switching to the redundant switching system is carried out.