Protected muldem with improved monitoring system and error detection

Abstract

A muldem (100) has a monitor (101) for testing data path failures through the muldem (100) by comparing the latter's input and output. The monitor (101) includes comparing means (806, FIGS. 13a and b) with a data comparator (880, FIGS. 13b and 17) for bit error detection by comparision of a pair of data streams (A+B) processed through the monitor (101) from the input and output of the muldem (100). The data comparator (880) delays one of the data streams (A) by a fixed amount and variably delays the other data stream (B), and then slipshifts the data streams in time until they are in alignment to be compared. The data comparator (880) detects noncoincidences of bits in the two data streams and counts such errors over a given sampling interval, providing a bit error rate. If this rate is above a user selectable threshold, then a malfunction in the tested data path is probable, so the path is retested, using a longer sampling interval, to improve the statistical accuracy of the test. If the number of bit errors increases accordingly, then a malfunction is indicated and standby data path protective switching may be initiated. Return switching from standby back to the normally on-line main path is not permitted until the bit error rate drops below a second, lower threshold.