Process for testing and ensuring the availability of a networked system

Abstract

A method for testing and safeguarding the availability of a networked system which is assigned to a system carrier, wherein a multiplicity of subscribers exchange data via a bus-type network which is comprised of one or more bus lines. Specific voltage levels are applied to the bus line or the lines by the appropriate subscribers. By virtue of this, as a minimum, at least individual subscribers transmit data. The bus line or the lines is/are monitored by the at least one receiving subscriber for an overshoot or undershoot of voltage levels. Due to this, the data is evaluated in at least one receiving subscriber with the aid of voltage levels. During operation of the system, signals present on the bus-type network are discriminated, tested or measured with respect to at least one signal criterion by individual subscribers under conditions defined in a network-wide manner for all subscribers. In each case, characteristic status data is generated for each signal criterion (with respect to each subscriber) and collected and arranged in at least one status map of the system. This status data characterizes both the current and at least one earlier status, with regard to the tested subscribers and with respect to the at least one criterion. At least one measure of the margin of error of the networked system with respect to the at least one criterion is obtained from the status data.