Network has nodes for media access checking with test signal generators for providing test signals outside allocated time slots, detectors of faults in associated and/or other node(s)

摘要

The network has several nodes that are coupled together, each controlled by a bus monitor to send messages during allocated time slots and to receive messages outside the time slots. Each node has a test signal generator for providing a test signal outside the allocated time slots and a test signal detector for detecting faults in the associated node and/or at least one other node. Independent claims are also included for the following: network nodes in a network with several further inter-coupled network nodes.