Abstract: The methods, systems, and apparatuses described in this disclosure enable the identification of an alarm condition and the termination of a connection between an MTA and one or more telephony devices. An alarm condition can be identified at an MTA through the monitoring of feedback received from an alarm interface, and the MTA can respond to the identification of the alarm condition by terminating a connection to a telephony device for which communications are not routed through a corresponding alarm interface. An interface between the MTA and alarm interface may route communications to and from a telephony network through a first pair of wires and may receive feedback from the alarm interface through a second pair of wires.

Abstract: The methods, systems, and apparatuses described in this disclosure enable the identification of an alarm condition and the termination of a connection between an MTA and one or more telephony devices. An alarm condition can be identified at an MTA through the monitoring of feedback received from an alarm interface, and the MTA can respond to the identification of the alarm condition by terminating a connection to a telephony device for which communications are not routed through a corresponding alarm interface. An interface between the MTA and alarm interface may route communications to and from a telephony network through a first pair of wires and may receive feedback from the alarm interface through a second pair of wires.

Abstract: Diagnostic testing of a telephony line card device and corresponding line card is initiated using an initiation MIB. Responding to an instruction from a main processor that a query has determined that an initiation MID is Set, line card processor circuitry begins a predetermined series of diagnostic testing. Results for the diagnostic testing are stored in a register coupled to the line card processor circuitry. After testing completes, the main processor, which is coupled to the line card processor, retrieves the results information from the line card register, converts the information to one or more results MIB(s) and stores the results MIB(s) as an instance(s) to a memory coupled to the main processor. The result MIB instance(s) is/are made available to a local or remote device via port coupled to the line card device. A permissive MIB may be queried to determine whether diagnostic testing is permitted.

Abstract: Diagnostic testing of a telephony line card device and corresponding line card is initiated using an initiation MIB. Responding to an instruction from a main processor that a query has determined that an initiation MID is Set, line card processor circuitry begins a predetermined series of diagnostic testing. Results for the diagnostic testing are stored in a register coupled to the line card processor circuitry. After testing completes, the main processor, which is coupled to the line card processor, retrieves the results information from the line card register, converts the information to one or more results MIB(s) and stores the results MIB(s) as an instance(s) to a memory coupled to the main processor. The result MIB instance(s) is/are made available to a local or remote device via port coupled to the line card device. A permissive MIB may be queried to determine whether diagnostic testing is permitted.

Abstract: A method uses circuitry in a data interface that provides telephony service over a high-speed network to detect the presence of a secondary source of VBH battery voltage on a tip-ring system. If a detected source other than the data interface is impressing battery voltage on the tip-ring system, the circuitry disconnects the data interface's battery source and produces a message that another source is VBH. The determination that another source is present may be based on a threshold value to account for noise. The message is used to produce an alarm at a user interface device. The alarm may be a light indication mounted on the data interface. The alarm may also be a web page that is retrieved from a memory device and displayed on a PC, a PDA or the data interface. The alarm may be provided locally and remotely to a provider's server.

Abstract: A method uses circuitry in a data interface that provides telephony service over a high-speed network to detect the presence of a secondary source of VBH battery voltage on a tip-ring system. If a detected source other than the data interface is impressing battery voltage on the tip-ring system, the circuitry disconnects the data interface's battery source and produces a message that another source is VBH. The determination that another source is present may be based on a threshold value to account for noise.

Abstract: A method and system for using a database that associates a specific set of line interface specifications to a specific design requirement. The design requirement may correspond to a particular country's telephony operating requirements, or one of multiple sets of operating requirements within a country. This allows loading of generic line interface data at manufacturing. Specific criteria can be provided to the line interface at installation and/or startup.

Abstract: A pay telephone unit is disclosed that derives all operating power from the tip and ring conductors of the telephone line without the need for a battery. All data is stored in nonvolatile memory requiring no power for data retention, even when disconnected from the telephone line. The unit employs an interrupt architecture that advantageously reduces current consumption in comparison with prior art polling arrangements. In addition, stored power from operational circuitry is diverted to keep the real-time clock operating during momentary disruptions in line power. Diverted power may also be used to permit certain parameter settings, when initiated by the real-time clock, to be changed while the telephone unit is in an on-hook condition.