WAVEGUIDE AND SMART NODE FAULT DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM

A fault diagnostic system (64) includes an RF network (65) that implements a plurality of devices in signal communication with a plurality of nodes (68) to exchange a plurality of signals. A first device includes a radio frequency transceiver, and a first waveguide extends from a first end coupled to the first device to an opposing second end located at a second location. A processor transmits a first radio frequency signal among the plurality of signals through the first waveguide toward the second end, and receives a second radio frequency signal among the plurality of signals, the second radio frequency signal generated in response to the first radio frequency signal. The processor further performs at least one S-parameter analysis based on the first radio frequency and the second radio frequency, and determines a presence of a fault in the radio frequency network (65) based on the at least one S-parameter analysis.