Network node for switching quality detector to incoming signal specified by request message from adjacent node

摘要

A network node comprises a cross-connect switch and a single signal quality monitor connected to one of the output ports of the cross-connect switch. The switch is controlled by a processor to establish connections. The processor is responsive to a request message from another network node for causing the switch to establish a connection between one of the input ports of the switch specified by the request message and the signal quality monitor and returns a reply message indicating a quality level of a signal appearing at the input port. A switched telecommunications network, such as Internet, may be used for transmission of the request and reply messages. Alternatively, the request and reply messages may be multiplexed with traffic signals.