Abstract: A restoration system is provided for enhancing the reliability of a telecommunications network such that particular traffic which is disrupted by, for example, a faulty link, may be quickly rerouted via an alternate route established "on the fly". In particular, each node and link forming the network is monitored, and in the event that such monitoring detects a faulty link or node then a central controller is notified. The controller is arranged to locate spare capacity and establish an alternate route, in which the continuity of the alternate route is confirmed before the disrupted traffic is transferred thereto.

Abstract: An expansion joint for connecting sections of waveguide includes a plurality of spacer discs mounted on a plurality of guide rods. The guide rods are rigidly affixed to a termination member. Washer type springs are employed between the individual spacer discs on the guide rods for controlling increases and decreases in the space between the discs and, hence, compensating for contraction and expansion, respectively, of the waveguide sections while maintaining a uniform electrical path through the joint. Additional spacer discs having various thicknesses are also employed to allow for a predetermined maximum initial length adjustment within a prescribed tolerance.