Patent ID: 6861943
Filing Date: 2005-03-01
Classification: G06F,H04L

Abstract:
1. A signalling system providing communications between a controller and a remote unit in a network element, said signalling system comprising: a first communication module associated with said controller, said first communication module adapted to generate a command signal and a downstream monitoring signal for said remote unit and adapted to receive a status signal and an upstream monitoring signal associated with said remote unit; a second communication module associated with said remote unit, said second communication module adapted to receive said command signal and said downstream monitoring signal from first communication module and adapted to generate said status signal and said upstream monitoring signal; a communication link associated with said first communication module and said second communication module, said communication link adapted to carry said command signal, said downstream monitoring signal, said status signal and said upstream monitoring signal, wherein said controller monitors for receipt of said upstream monitoring signal and said status signal by said first communication module and determines a status of at least said communication link and said remote unit from any signals received by said first communication module.