System and method for hitless monitoring access of a communications circuit

A system for monitoring a plurality of communication circuits, comprising:

• means for switchably connecting an impedance means to one of the plurality of communication circuits,
• wherein the impedance means is configured as a short circuit relative to the one of the plurality of communication circuits;
• means for mirroring an AC current from the one of the plurality of communication circuits,
• wherein the means for mirroring is in communication with the impedance means;
• means for providing a monitor access to the one of the plurality of communication circuits,
• wherein the means for providing is in communication with the means for mirroring;
• and
• means for monitoring the one of the plurality of communication circuits,
• wherein the means for monitoring is configured to be connected to the means for providing, and
• wherein to monitor the one of the plurality of communication circuits, the impedance means is switchably connected to the one of the plurality of communication circuits using the means for switchably connecting, thereby connecting the means for monitoring to the one of the plurality of communication circuits with a minimum of disruption to data communication within the one of the plurality of communication circuits.

A method of monitoring a plurality of communication circuits, comprising the steps of:

• switchably connecting an impedance element to one of the plurality of communication circuits,
• wherein the impedance element is configured as a short circuit relative to the one of the plurality of communication circuits;
• mirroring an AC current from the one of the plurality of communication circuits;
• providing a monitor access to the one of the plurality of communication circuits,
• wherein the monitor access is configured to receive the mirrored AC current;
• connecting a communication circuit monitor to the monitor access;
• and
• monitoring the one of the plurality of communication circuits using the communication circuit monitor,
• wherein the communication circuit monitor is thereby connected to the one of the plurality of communication circuits with a minimum of disruption to data communication within the one of the plurality of communication circuits.