The present disclosure is directed to an input/output module. In some embodiments, the input/output module includes: a plurality of communication channels, each channel of the plurality of communication channels configured to connect to one or more field devices; switch fabric configured to selectively facilitate connectivity between an external control module and the one or more field devices via the plurality of communication channels; a serial communications port configured for connecting the input/output module to the control module in parallel with a second input/output module, the serial communications port configured for transmitting information between the input/output module and the control module; and a parallel communications port configured for separately connecting the input/output module to the control module, the parallel communications port configured for transmitting information between the input/output module and the control module, and transmitting information between the input/output module and the second input/output module.