The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 03, 2004
Filed:
Nov. 30, 1999
Applicant:
Inventors:
Richard Marion Czerwiec, Raleigh, NC (US);
Richard Roger Rzonca, Raleigh, NC (US);
Marlin V. Simmering, Clayton, NC (US);
Geert Van Wonterghem, Eeklo, BE;
Jan De Groote, Berchem, BE;
Assignee:
Alcatel, Paris, FR;
Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Assistant Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
G01R 3/108 ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
G01R 3/108 ;
Abstract
A system and method for enhancing reliability in a communication system. In the system and method, redundant signal paths are continuously tested to determine if any faults are present while the operating signal paths are in use. If any faults are present in the redundant signal paths, they can be addressed while the operating circuits are still in use. This minimizes the chance that a switch from an operating signal path to a redundant signal path because of a fault in the operating circuit will result in downtime.