摘要 |
A statistical multiplexer includes a plurality of primary encoders 120 and at least one backup encoder 130 which is activated a primary encoder fails. The statistical multiplexer also includes at least two multiplexers 140,160 such that at any given time one of the multiplexers 140,160 is in an active state and the other is in a backup state. The encoders 120, 130, the multiplexers 140, 160, and a rate processor 150 employ a dynamic identity allocation arrangement for identifying a source of the messages such that messages originating from the encoders 120, 130 indicate whether the source is a primary 120 or backup encoder 130 and messages originating from the multiplexers 140, 160 include a character selected from among a predetermined sequence of characters that is incremented to the next character in the sequence each time one of the multiplexers 140, 160 transitions between an active and a backup state.
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