ERROR DETECTION IN COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

A method for determining the impact on a network of a fault in the network, comprises the steps of constructing a layered topological model of the network according to a predetermined protocol, receiving an indication of an erroneous event at a point in the network, and modelling the impact on the network and its services resulting from the event by navigating the topological model. The modelling step includes applying a priority weighting to an erroneous event to determine a priority order in which a sequence of erroneous events may be attended to. The priority order may be based on cost-effectiveness of carrying out a particular repair. The method may alternatively be used to determine the location of a fault with increased certainty by relating an event with a previous erroneous event. The method is preferably implemented by a programmed computer.