Importance

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Abstract

A plurality of different fault locating functions are provided in a communication system comprising a plurality of terminals connected to a data transmission channel. The functions are at different levels, respectively, ranging from a level for rapid fault location to a level for reliable and sure fault location. Upon detection of an occurrence of a fault, one fault locating function is performed. If the fault is not located accurately located, another fault locating function of a level for more reliable is performed, thus the functions are performed sequentially in the order from the level for rapid location to the level for more deliberate and reliable location. Preferably, the channel is reconfigured to avoid the fault, according to the fault located by the functions of the respective levels. With this arrangement, a fault which does most possibly occur can be located quickly, while another fault difficult to locate can be located accurately.

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First Claim