Bit error generation system for optical networks

A method, comprising:

• receiving protocol or bitrate information regarding a live traffic signal;
• determining bit error simulation signal parameters based on the received protocol or bitrate information;
• generating, via a high instantaneous power light source, a bit error simulation signal based on the bit error simulation signal parameters;
• and
• injecting the bit error simulation signal into an optical fiber carrying the live traffic signal.

A device, comprising:

• a light source;
• an input device;
• and
• a control processor that includes logic configured to:
• cause the light source to inject a bit error simulation signal into an optical fiber carrying a traffic signal via a known protocol,
• wherein the bit error simulation signal comprises at least one high instantaneous power light pulse output by the light source and configured to simulate a bit error condition;
• and
• cause an optical attenuator to attenuate the bit error simulation signal to maintain an optical power of the bit error simulation signal substantially higher than an optical power of the traffic signal.