
HDSL4 239 H4R Repeater Installation and Maintenance Practice
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61223445L2-5B
Fast Retrain
Fast Retrain is an ADTRAN-proprietary feature that minimizes downtime when an inter-
mittent, non-power related impairment (bad splice, noise burst, etc.) affects the HDSL loop
and cannot be bridged.
When such an impairment occurs after achieving HDSL synchronization, Fast Retrain is
invoked to restore service within 5 to 7 seconds. This short retrain time allows for reduced
downtime compared to the traditional 25 to 30 second retrain duration.
NOTE
For proper functionality, install Fast Retrain capable units on both
ends of the circuit. Failure of a Fast Retrain attempt initiates the
traditional (25-30 second) retrain.
HDSL2 and HDSL4 transceivers normally train in approximately 25 to 30 seconds (for initial
turnup, this time frame should be acceptable). However, once service has been established on
the circuit, any large down-time will interrupt communications on the circuit. A loss of
synchronization on the HDSL loop can cause excessive down times due not only to the 30-
second HDSL retrain time, but also further delays due to the higher level protocols in the
network going through re-synchronization. On the older generation HDSL2 and HDSL4 units,
a 1-second loss of HDSL frame synchronization would cause the data pumps to retrain. This
retrain would take approximately 25 seconds during which AIS would be sent to the termi-
nating equipment. The reception of AIS by the terminating equipment then might trigger
higher level protocol re-synchronizations.
In an effort to minimize this down time, the Fast Retrain feature has been implemented. If an
impairment (bad splice, for example) causes the HDSL data pump to lose frame synchroni-
zation for 500 msec or longer, instead of retraining, the system attempts a Fast Retrain. This
abbreviated train can achieve data mode in 5 to 7 seconds. A successful fast retrain should be
evident by watching the Span Status screen and by reduced unavailable seconds (UAS) in the
PM data for each LOS alarm recorded.