Patent ID: 6895021
Filing Date: 2005-05-17
Classification: H04J

Abstract:
1. In a network having a plurality of links between nodes and at least one node having an administrative module which provides error data for at least one link, a method of detecting network trouble comprising the steps of: (a) detecting a data frame in a signal on a link; (b) counting the bits arriving after the detection of the data frame until reaching a predetermined number of bits designating a frame; (c) generating an estimated frame signal at the conclusion of the bit counting of step (b); (d) comparing the detected data frame of step (a) to the estimated frame of step (c) and defining a frame error to occur if the two signals do not coincide; (e) synchronizing the detection of errors in frames on said link to the timing of the detected data frame so as to avoid overcounting bit errors in the signal on the link; and (f) calculating the number of frames on said link having errors as an error rate per unit of time.