Communication network and protocol which can efficiently maintain transmission across a disrupted network

A method for transmitting packets across a transmission path, comprising:

• forwarding a packet from an originating module that is destined for a destination module;
• receiving the packet at a receiving module configured between the originating module and the destination module, wherein said receiving comprises snooping the packet for absence of a null pattern beyond a pre-determined length of time and thereafter performing said returning step;
• and
• returning the packet containing error bits to the originating module from the receiving module if the transmission path is disturbed between the receiving module and the destination module.

A method for transmitting packets across a transmission path, comprising:

• forwarding a packet from an originating module that is destined for a destination module;
• receiving the packet at a receiving module configured between the originating module and the destination module;
• and
• returning the packet containing error bits to the originating module from the receiving module if the transmission path is disturbed between the receiving module and the destination module, wherein said returning comprises setting the error bits indicating the receiving module was the last of a series of modules that fails to receive the null pattern.