Understanding Impulse-Noise Measurements

Numerous articles have been written on the general properties of impulse noise, models for it, and its effects on data transmission. Most of these make an attempt to apply or generate some particular theory with respect to the phenomenon. A literature search has given rise to an awareness of the need for a paper devoted solely to the idiosyncrasies of impulse-noise measurements and their interpretation. This paper first distinguishes impulse noise from background or message-circuit noise, then addresses itself to the time-variability problems associated with impulse noise. The use of electronic versus electromechanical impulse-noise counters is then discussed, followed by a presentation of practical measuring techniques, and finally by a few words on mitigative measures.