Abstract: A data transmission path comprises a first and a second station, a first data transmission channel operative for synchronously transmitting data from the first to the second station in synchronism with a predetermined clocking schedule and at a respective first maximum data transmission rate, and a second data transmission channel for asynchronously transmitting data from the second to the first station at a respective second maximum data transmission rate, the first maximum data transmission rate being equal to a multiple p of the second maximum data transmission rate. A test waveform is applied to the first station for transmission to the second station along the first data transmission channel, the test waveform presenting a data transmission rate at least approximately equal to said first maximum data transmission rate.

Abstract: A loopback testing system for an asynchronously operating fully duplex data transmission path comprising proximate and remote stations, a proximate-to-remote data transmission channel for transmitting data to the remote station at a relatively high maximum data transmission rate, and a remote-to-proximate data transmission channel for transmitting data to the proximate station at a relatively low maximum data transmission rate. A test-waveform generator applies to the proximate station, for transmission along the proximate-to-remote channel, a test waveform presenting a data transmission rate at least approximately equal to the aforementioned higher maximum data transmission rate. A loopback circuit at the remote station receives the thusly transmitted test waveform and reapplies it at the remote station for transmission back to the proximate station along the remote-to-proximate channel.