Method and apparatus for protecting an echo canceller against random transitions from linear to non-linear echo paths

An apparatus for echo canceling within a communication system wherein an echo generating system exists within the communication system introducing echo into a reference signal path, the apparatus comprising:

• an echo canceller coupled to a desired signal path, the desired signal path including a desired signal and an echo signal generated by the echo generating system, the echo canceller including a first adaptation routine and a second adaptation routine an output signal for providing an output signal for canceling the echo signal from the desired signal path;
• wherein the echo canceller is operable to detect an occurrence of at least one of a transition from non-linear echo path to linear echo path and a transition from linear echo path to non-linear echo path;
• to halt operation of the first adaptation routine and to initiate operation of the second adaptation routine when occurrence of non-linear echo path is detected.