Patent ID: 6810210
Filing Date: 2004-10-26
Classification: H04B

Abstract:
A communication path impairment detection module for connection to a duplex optic communication link, the duplex optic communication link including an outgoing communication path and an incoming communication path, each communication path being characterized by a data channel and an optical service channel, said communication path impairment detection module comprising:a) a first port suitable for communicating with the outgoing communication path; b) a second port suitable for communicating with the incoming communication path; c) a processing unit coupled to said first pot and to said second port, said processing unit being responsive to impairment of the data channel and the optical service channel in the incoming communication path to: i. impair the data channel in the outgoing communication path; and ii. transmit a control data element indicative of a non-impairment status in the optical service channel in the outgoing communication path when the impairment of the optical service channel in the incoming communication path is of a first impairment type; and iii. transmit a control data element indicative of an impairment status over the optical service channel in the outgoing communication path when the impairment of the optical serve channel in the incoming communication path is of a second Impairment type, the second impairment type being different from the first impairment type.