Communication link monitoring and failover

A system configured to monitor a first communication path in a data network, comprising:

• a communication subsystem in communication with the data network and configured to transmit information to a recipient;
• a confirmatory signal subsystem configured:
• to generate a confirmatory signal;
• to insert the confirmatory signal into a stream of data to be transmitted to the recipient through a first communication path in the data network;
• and
• to detect a disruption in the confirmatory signal;
• a failover subsystem configured to reroute the stream of network data to be transmitted to the recipient through a second communication path in response to the disruption;
• an analog contact interface configured to receive an analog signal from the recipient via the analog contact interface;
• wherein the signal comprises a representation of the disruption.

A method for monitoring a first communication path in a data network, comprising:

• generating a confirmatory signal;
• inserting the confirmatory signal into a continuous stream of data to be transmitted to a recipient via the first communication path;
• transmitting the confirmatory signal and the stream of network data via the first communication path;
• detecting a disruption in the confirmatory signal;
• and
• rerouting the stream of network data to be transmitted to the recipient through a second communication path in response to the disruption, the second communication path comprising at least one physical connection in the network that is distinct from the first communication path;
• wherein the first communication path is established and continuously operating prior to the disruption.