Testing a communication network with a shared test port

摘要

A system for testing a communication network includes a test system and a cross-connect system. The test system generates a plurality of independent low data rate test signals with first data rates. The test system combines the independent low data rate test signals to generate a high data rate test signal. The test system then transmits the high data rate test signal from the test system to a shared test port. The cross-connect system transfers the high data rate test signal to a cross-connect matrix that connects the independent low data rate test signals to the communication network. The cross-connect system then receives the independent low data rate test signals from the communication network into the shared test port. The cross-connect system transmits the high data rate test signal from the shared test port to the test system. The test system separates the high data rate test signal into the independent low data rate test signals. The test system then independently tests the independent low data rate test signals as separate test sessions.