Abstract: Based on the Possion Error Model and Burst Error Model, we obtain the mathematical expressions for the probabilities of occurrence ofa block error and of detecting a block error, as well as the detection efficiency. Analyses and simulations to determine the maximum BER that can be detected (i.e., the saturation BER) and the minimum detection efficiency are given. Conclusions are drawn as follows: one BIP byte per tandem connection monitoring fieldis adequate for performance monitoring; 2*BIP-4 EDC should be adopted to meet the requirement that the detection efficiency be no less than 90%; 8*BIP-1 EDC is acceptable if the real-time BER measurement estimate is not required.

Key words: OTN, BIP, EDC, OCh