Abstract: A two-way time transfer protocol includes: sending a signal from a first node including a first clock and a first time interval counter coupled to the first clock over a transport physical layer coupled to the first node to a second node coupled to the transport physical layer, the second node including a second clock and a second time interval counter coupled to the second clock; then sending a last second node time interval counter value from the second time interval counter of the second node over the transport physical layer to the first node; and then comparing at the first node a last first node time interval counter value to the last second node time interval counter value. A first-way path latency from the first node to the second node is substantially equal to a second-way path latency from the second node to the first node, and all of a first node transmit delay, a first node receive delay, a second node transmit delay and a second node receive delay are substantially constant.

Abstract: A communication network signalling system couples a signal transfer point to a plurality of channel banks through links which include link monitor and test units. The link monitor and test units, which monitor the links in a passive, non-obtrusive manner and which at the same time are capable of being serially coupled into the link so as to insert signals in series with the link and to otherwise accomplish in-depth link testing and analysis, each include a pair of channel units coupled to opposite portions of an associated link and which are coupled together through a metallic through connection in the form of a normally unenergized relay. The metallic through connection provided by the relay maintains the signal path through the link during a variety of fault conditions, while at the same time permitting electronic portions of the channel units to be cross-connected to accomplish monitoring and testing functions.