Abstract: Automatic testing/analysis of local loops of telecommunications networks includes obtaining bits-per-tone data for a local loop of a telecommunications network and generating a bit value string from the bits-per-tone data. The bit value string is then analyzed to determine whether it includes a bit pattern indicative of an impairment of the local loop. Further approaches for automatically testing local loops of telecommunications networks include obtaining attenuation data for multiple tones carried by the local loop and determining whether the attenuation data falls below thresholds for providing a service using the local loop.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for evaluating the quality of a communication session. One of the methods includes identifying, by a communication system, a communication session between one or more users of the communication system, wherein, during the communication session, session data is routed between a first communications device of a first user of the communication system and one or more other communications devices along a communication path; obtaining, from each of a plurality of communication nodes along the communication path, quality data relating to a quality of the communication session at the communication node; generating, using the quality data, a model input to a quality score machine learning model; and providing the model input as input to the quality score machine learning model to generate the estimated quality score for at least the portion of the communication session.

Abstract: One or more data centers are selected to host an online conference. The selection of the data center is based on a set of metrics that are measured from ‘synthetic’ transactions. These synthetic transactions are sent between candidate data centers and the participants in the conference call in order to measure one or more performance metrics (e.g., link quality metrics such as delay, packet loss, etc.) These measured performance metrics are used to determine a centroid that represents the geometric center or ‘center of mass,’ of the link quality between participants and data centers. This ‘link quality centroid’ is used to select a subset of data centers as candidate data centers. The candidate data center with the best average performance metric(s) is selected as the data center to host the conference.

Abstract: Disclosed are a line diagnosis method and apparatus. The method includes: acquiring a test result reported by a test device, herein, the test result is a test result acquired after the test device tests a line that needs line diagnosis (S102); and invoking a dynamic language file to analyze the test result and obtaining a line diagnosis result, herein, the dynamic language file includes known line fault types described in a dynamic language and corresponding judging conditions (S104). Through the technical solution, the problem in the related art that the time period of re-customizing a diagnosis program for line diagnosis is too long to satisfy the user demand is solved; the time period required by function customization is largely shortened during line diagnosis, and a user can rapidly adjust the analysis solution according to changes of the line situations, the user demand is satisfied and the user satisfaction is improved.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and an apparatus for enabling subscriber lines to join a DSL vectoring system the DSL vectoring system and can shorten overall joining time of subscriber lines in a DSL system. The method includes grouping subscriber lines into at least two groups according to time when the subscriber lines request to go online, where the at least two groups of subscriber lines that are obtained after the grouping include a first group of subscriber lines and a second group of subscriber lines; starting a joining process for all the subscriber lines in the first group of subscriber lines; and during the joining process of the first group of subscriber lines, putting all the subscriber lines in the second group of subscriber lines into a joining process.

Abstract: Dynamic metro cell location planning is provided within the wireless communication coverage area of a macro cell. Metro cell location planning can include obtaining performance parameters associated with the macro cell and evaluating coverage parameters of the macro cell. Metro cell location planning can also include selecting, based on the performance parameters and the coverage parameters, a location within a wireless communication coverage area of the macro cell for placement of the metro cell. The selected location can be conveyed to a user and/or entity for deployment of the metro cells. Metro cells can be used by a carrier to fill a coverage hole and/or to offload capacity hot-spots within the network.

Abstract: An intelligent guiding method and system based on a M2M system are provided. The method includes that when receiving a service request message from an intelligent guiding M2M terminal device, an intelligent guiding M2M platform requests guiding information or a guiding information identifier from an intelligent guiding M2M application according to the location information of the intelligent guiding M2M terminal device; and the intelligent guiding M2M platform sends, to the intelligent guiding M2M terminal device, the guiding information provided by the intelligent guiding M2M application or guiding information that is retrieved according to the guiding information identifier provided by the intelligent guiding M2M application. The M2M technology and the electronic guiding system thus can be effectively combined, and rich guiding services can be provided based on the M2M system.

Abstract: An adapter can execute a test script in parallel relative to separate tenant installations in a multi-tenant environment. Such tenant installations can be established within a cloud computing environment. Multiple tenant installations may share some installation components, such as an application server and/or a database, so that these shared installation components are not duplicated. While executing the test script in parallel, the adapter can translate selected values for each test script execution so that those values are distinguished from corresponding values within other test script executions. The values can be translated to reflect the identity of the tenant whose installation the test script execution targets. Furthermore, while executing the test scripts in parallel, the adapter can cause the test script executions to synchronize at specified points within the test script, so that all of the test script executions are guaranteed to have executed to a common point before proceeding.

Abstract: A method and corresponding device for determining a data connection profile for a data connection (15) between one of a plurality of end-user devices (14, 16, 18) and an aggregation transceiver device (24, 34), the data connection belonging to one of a plurality of predetermined categories, each category being associated with one of a plurality of service providing entities (62, 64, 66), the method comprising receiving performance data indicative of the performance of a data connection; receiving an entity identifier indicative of one of said plurality of service providing entities, and determining in dependence thereon the category to which the data connection belongs; and determining a data connection profile for the data connection in dependence on the performance data and on the category so-determined, the data connection profile specifying a set of values for one or more parameters associated with the data connection.

Abstract: A ringtone assignment system and method are provided. The method includes steps of recording a multimedia ringtone via a first communication device, transmitting a communication linking request to a communication exchange host, transmitting the communication linking request to a second communication device via the communication exchange host to enable the second communication device to feed back ringtone format information supported by the second communication device according to the communication linking request, transmitting the ringtone format information to the first communication device via the communication exchange host to enable the first communication device to code the multimedia ringtone according to the ringtone format information, transmitting the multimedia ringtone from the first communication device to the second communication device, and then decoding and playing the multimedia ringtone by the second communication device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for twisted pair telephone line diagnostics based on patterns of line data occurring over time. An observed data distribution is classified as periodic or based on modeled distributions previously determined to correspond to a known line activity, fault type, or fault location. A disruption or parameter value pattern is classified through statistical inference of operational and performance data collected from the line. Where the disruption and/or parameter value(s) correlate with a time the customer is at the customer premises, an inference is made that the line fault causing the disruption is more likely at the CPE than at the Central Office. Where the disruption distribution is classified as being a result of human activities initiated on the line, a fault condition associated with the activity is inferred. Where a disruption pattern is correlated with human initiated plain old telephone service (POTS), a micro-filter problem is inferred for the line.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for data processing in a digital subscriber line environment are provided. In one aspect a method includes (i) determining a deterioration of a connection between a centralized unit and a decentralized unit during an initialization of the connection; and (ii) disabling the connection based on the deterioration.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided wherein performance of lines configured for discontinuous operation is monitored on symbols transmitted using a base configuration in which the lines are active. On the basis of the monitored performance, performance may be calculated for other configurations in which one or more of the lines are discontinued.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing ubiquitous and configurable communications between users is provided. Ubiquity and other features are provided using a common identifier linking two or more users. In one embodiment, a common identifier is automatically provided when call forwarding is directed to a designated phone number. In another embodiment, a user can cause a common identifier to be created linking the user with a user of their choice by sending an SMS text message to a designated address. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A system for monitoring connection status of a cable in a network comprising a detector operationally connected to the cable, a metal line test module, and a processor for receiving from the detector one or more connection status reports about connection of the cable to a network node, and configured to cause, upon a connection status report threshold being reached, a test of the cable by the metal line test module to confirm the connection status of the cable. Related apparatus and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for data processing in a digital subscriber line environment are provided. In one aspect a method includes (i) determining a deterioration of a connection between a centralized unit and a decentralized unit during an initialization of the connection; and (ii) disabling the connection based on the deterioration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses of using a novel transmit signal that can be used to improve performance of various loop diagnostic features of SELT. In embodiments, a novel transmit signal uses a wide contiguous band of tones that includes frequencies in both upstream and downstream bands. In these and other embodiments of the invention, the SELT transmit signal is designed such that any crosstalk noise in adjacent lines appears as a burst of noise that falls within the limits of the FEC settings of the system such that it can be fully corrected without harming the performance of modems connected on the adjacent lines.

Abstract: According to certain aspects, the present invention relates to methods and apparatuses to identify and locate a line-cuts in a loop that may or may not also contain bridgetaps. In embodiments, different bands of SELT signal data are analyzed separately using a TDR method, to effectively detect any potential bridgetaps. In these and other embodiments, by combining information from the separate bands, bridgetap locations and lengths are determined. Methodology is also established to distinguish legitimate line cut or bridgetap signal data from spurious data. According to certain aspects, embodiments of the invention also incorporate baselining, which includes tests to make sure that there are no inconsistencies or imperfections that can corrupt the SELT data.

Abstract: A method of monitoring quality of a telephone call transmitted over a network includes obtaining a metric associated with the telephone call, where the metric is based on data packets that are transmitted during the telephone call, and determining whether the metric exceeds a threshold. Plural metrics may be obtained and the method may determine whether the plural metrics exceed corresponding thresholds.

Abstract: An apparatus and method control transmission of messages over a fixed bandwidth link from fixed position communication devices to a central controller in a load management system. The messages include information relating to electric power consumption by power consuming devices located at service points that include the communication devices. In one embodiment, the central controller determines an identifier associated with each communication device, a reporting period during which the messages are to be transmitted by the communication devices, and transmission increments within the reporting period. The controller allocates each transmission increment to a respective group of communication devices.

Abstract: Existing and future standardized VDSL2 and other systems can be integrated into and used with a vectored DSLAM or other vectored or non-vectored DSL system, without a new user disrupting service to other users in the same or a nearby binder, in some cases by using transmit power, CARMASK and/or PSDMASK DSL capabilities to reduce both downstream and upstream training-signal levels so that training of a new DSL line is non-disruptive, despite a lack of knowledge of the pre-existing binder. For vectored systems, the crosstalk from that tone can be observed, learned and then added to the vectoring system so that any subsequent excitation on that tone would be eliminated by vector processing. A second tone then can be added in the same way, etc. In non-vectored DSLs that might be operating in a binder or line set, once these non-vectored lines are observed to be present, a vectored line set controller, such as a DSL optimizer, then can anticipate the potential interference from such non-vectored lines.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer readable medium for call quality testing is presented. A query is transmitted over a communications network from a first location to a second location. The query results in an audio signal at the second location, which is received at the first location. The audio signal is analyzed by comparing the signal with a reference signal clip. A statistical parameter is generated, the statistical parameter indicative of a quality of the received signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating far-end crosstalk RDS-FEXT, i (fd) or an end (C1-2) of a communication line (C1) furthest from a transceiver (10-1) to which the communication line (C1) is connected. The apparatus is configured to: measure upstream noise RUS-Noise(fu) at an upstream frequency (fu), the upstream noise RUS-Noise(fu) induced in the communication line (C1) due to the crosstalk; select a downstream frequency (fd) for which the far-end crosstalk RDS-FEXT, i (fd) is to determined; and estimate the far-end crosstalk RDS-FEXT, i (fd)? as a function of the upstream Noise RUS-Noise(fu), the upstream frequency (fu) and the downstream frequency (fd). An apparatus reversing upstream and downstream features, a system, a computer readable medium and related methods are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a customer premises based method for detecting the presence of a micro-filter on a VDSL connection. According to certain aspects, the method uses SELT test signals that are transmitted from the customer premises modem and whose associated echo signals are received and analyzed by the customer premises modem. According to further aspects, specific characteristics of several different SELT signals are utilized to robustly and effectively determine the presence or absence of the micro-filter/splitter.

Abstract: Method, arrangement and devices for calibration of a line driving device, such as a DSLAM, having a line port. The method comprises deriving of a first parameter vector, PVinf, for example Hinf. The parameter vector PVinf is derived by performing, at a first site, an echo measurement on the line driving device while the line port on said line driving device is open. The method further comprises calibrating the line driving device based on the first parameter vector PVinf and a second parameter vector PVref, which second parameter vector is based on information on echo measurements performed on at least one reference line driving device.

Abstract: A method includes identifying one or more second digital subscriber lines from one or more first digital subscriber lines based on historical performance data. The one or more second digital subscriber lines are identified based on degraded performance that is determined using first performance information for the one or more first digital subscriber lines. The method includes applying a line profile to the one or more second digital subscriber lines. The method includes storing second performance information associated with the one or more second digital subscriber lines. The method includes sending information to a remote computing device.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to trigger maintenance and upgrades of access networks are disclosed. An example method comprises obtaining a first value representing a number of unassigned ports associated with a first digital subscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM), obtaining a second value representing a projected number of ports associated with the first DSLAM needed to satisfy at least one of anticipated, projected or pending service requests, and determining whether to automatically submit a preventative maintenance trouble ticket for the first DSLAM based on the first and second values.

Abstract: Systems, method, and media for providing communication services between an application and a computer telephony interface server are provided. One of a plurality of computer telephony interface drivers is launched as a primary computer telephony interface driver to interface the application with the computer telephony interface server. The computer telephony interface drivers are monitored with a plurality of monitors. Each of the monitors is associated with one of the computer telephony interface drivers and monitors a status of another of the computer telephony interface drivers. A failure of the primary computer telephony interface driver is detected with a secondary monitor. The secondary monitor monitors the primary computer telephony interface driver and is associated with a secondary computer telephony interface driver.

Abstract: A method of monitoring quality of a telephone call transmitted over a network includes obtaining a metric associated with the telephone call, where the metric is based on data packets that are transmitted during the telephone call, and determining whether the metric exceeds a threshold. Plural metrics may be obtained and the method may determine whether the plural metrics exceed corresponding thresholds.

Abstract: A method for determining reference virtual noise of Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), includes: obtaining a receiver-end-actual noise of DSL subcarriers; and determining a reference virtual noise according to the obtained receiver-end-actual noise of the DSL subcarriers. Furthermore, the invention also discloses a device for determining a reference virtual noise of DSL, and a method and a system for configuring the reference virtual noise of DSL. The invention can improve the accuracy of the reference virtual noise, thereby making the configuration of the reference virtual noise more accurate.

Abstract: Systems, method, and media for providing communication services between an application and a computer telephony interface server are provided. One of a plurality of computer telephony interface drivers is launched as a primary computer telephony interface driver to interface the application with the computer telephony interface server. The computer telephony interface drivers are monitored with a plurality of monitors. Each of the monitors is associated with one of the computer telephony interface drivers and monitors a status of another of the computer telephony interface drivers. A failure of the primary computer telephony interface driver is detected with a secondary monitor. The secondary monitor monitors the primary computer telephony interface driver and is associated with a secondary computer telephony interface driver.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for evaluating and troubleshooting a DSL system in a plurality of DSL systems having a common static characteristic. The plurality of DSL systems are ranked based on a ranking characteristic different than the common static characteristic.

Abstract: Method, arrangement and devices for calibration of a line driving device, such as a DSLAM, having a line port. The method comprises deriving of a first parameter vector, PVinf, for example Hinf. The parameter vector PVinf is derived by performing, at a first site, an echo measurement on the line driving device while the line port on said line driving device is open. The method further comprises calibrating the line driving device based on the first parameter vector PVinf and a second parameter vector PVref, which second parameter vector is based on information on echo measurements performed on at least one reference line driving device.

Abstract: A method of monitoring quality of a telephone call transmitted over a network includes obtaining a metric associated with the telephone call, where the metric is based on data packets that are transmitted during the telephone call, and determining whether the metric exceeds a threshold. Plural metrics may be obtained and the method may determine whether the plural metrics exceed corresponding thresholds.

Abstract: A method includes selecting a first set of digital subscriber lines (DSLs) supported by a digital subscriber line access multiplexor (DSLAM). The DSLs of the first set exhibit reduced performance based on historical performance data. The method includes sending a request to the DSLAM for a first performance parameter for each of the DSLs of the first set. The method includes receiving the first performance parameters. The method includes removing DSLs from the first set that have suitable performance based on the first performance parameters to create a second set of DSLs. The method includes selecting a line profile to apply to the second set of DSLs. The method also includes sending a second request to the DSLAM to apply the line profile to the DSLs of the second set and then to determine a second performance parameter for each of the DSLs of the second set.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to trigger maintenance and upgrades of access networks are disclosed. An example method comprises obtaining a first value representing a number of unassigned ports associated with a first digital subscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM), obtaining a second value representing a projected number of ports associated with the first DSLAM needed to satisfy at least one of anticipated, projected or pending service requests, and determining whether to automatically submit a preventative maintenance trouble ticket for the first DSLAM based on the first and second values.

Abstract: An end-to-end test and diagnostic manager and a method of diagnosing service problems in a multi-domain, multi-service network are provided. A database receives and stores service and network inventory data identifying and describing the customer and the network components necessary to deliver a service to the customer over a multi-domain network. An interface for displaying service information to an operator and for receiving commands from an operator is also provided. A plurality of test tools for testing operational status and verifying the configuration of components necessary to deliver the service to the customer. An application server is configured to execute instructions for invoking the test tools. The results of the test are displayed for the operator via the interface.

Abstract: A Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) terminal has a Quality of Service (QoS) monitoring function and uses a QoS monitoring method. In a VoIP system performing real-time voice communication over an IP network, a packet loss value and a time-axis index value are detected, and are calculated from a real-time transport protocol (RTP) packet and an RTP control protocol (RTCP) packet, a QoS state value of the network is obtained in real time, the detected QoS state value is compared to a preset QoS state table, and thus a QoS state of the IP network is displayed for users.

Abstract: A method of providing communication services includes configuring a primary computer telephony interface driver to interface a computer telephony interface server with an application for transmitting client information between the application and the computer telephony interface server and configuring a secondary computer telephony interface driver to redundantly interface the same computer telephony interface server with the same application for transmitting the same client information between the same application and the same computer telephony interface server.

Abstract: A FDR SELT measurement is made in a stop band of a DSL band plan, using a PSD allowed by the PSD mask. Further measurements may also be made in an adjacent pass band and further bands, and the results combined to create a wide-band measurement result. When transformed into the time domain (e.g. by inverse Fourier transform to produce the line impulse response) greater resolution in time (and hence greater spatial resolution) is achieved. In order to compensate for AGC calibration errors measurements using different AGC steps may be scaled to fit smoothly to each other. If measurements overlap, measurement results in the region of overlap may be combined in various ways to limit the influence of noise and to create a smooth transition from one measurement to the next.

Abstract: A communication apparatus which may include a power supply that acquires a supply voltage from a power line connected from outside, a transmission control unit that transmits a pilot signal and signals subsequent to the pilot signal to the power line, a pilot signal detection unit that detects pilot signals transmitted to the power line by other apparatuses, and a timing adjustment unit that adjusts transmission timing of the pilot signal of the communication apparatus in accordance with that of the pilot signals transmitted by the other apparatuses.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for measuring perceptual quality of a signal transmitted over a communication network, such as a circuit-switching network, packet-switching network, or a combination thereof. In accordance with one embodiment, a distributed apparatus is provided for measuring perceptual quality of a signal transmitted over a communication network. The distributed apparatus includes communication ports located at various locations in the network. The distributed apparatus may also include a signal processor including a processor for providing non-intrusive measurement of the perceptual quality of the signal. The distributed apparatus may further include recorders operatively connected to the communication ports and to the signal processor, wherein at least one of the recorders processes the signal at one of the communication ports and the recorder sends the signal to the signal processor to measure the perceptual quality of the signal.

Abstract: A telecommunications access network includes a plurality of telecommunications lines (1), a plurality of aggregation devices (51-54), a plurality of data collector modules (71-73) and a line provisioning and de-provisioning system (90), wherein each line is connected between customer premises equipment (11-13,21-23,31-33,41-43) and a line aggregation device (51-54). The access network is operable to provide data connections through at least a first sub-set of the lines (1) to a core network whereby network services may be provided over the network to the customer premises equipment. The access network further includes a management module (80) for managing at least a second sub-set of the lines (1) within the access network, the management module (80) being operable to receive aggregated data from a plurality of data collector modules, each data collector module (71-73) being operable to receive data from a plurality of the line aggregation devices.

Abstract: A method of detecting that a condition exists that adversely impacts a digital subscriber line service (DSL) over a telephone line shared by the DSL service and a telephone service. The method includes obtaining information regarding operation of the DSL service over a plurality of different time periods, comparing the information for a first of the plurality of time periods with the information for a second of the plurality of time periods, and determining the condition exists based on the comparison.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention disclose a spectrum optimization method and device and digital subscriber line system, the method comprising: calculating according to acquired information of each of respective subcarriers on the DSL line to be optimized to obtain optimized transmission power of a subcarrier to be optimized in a DSL line to be optimized; calculating a transmission rate of the DSL line to be optimized according to the optimized transmission power; and comparing the transmission rate with a target rate of the DSL line to be optimized, and if the transmission rate is less than the target rate, updating the information of an optimized subcarrier, and performing a recalculation.

Abstract: A device, a method and a line testing device connected to a line-capturing matrix for providing wetting current in the communications field are disclosed. Connecting the line-capturing matrix to a wetting current circuit in a network device makes it possible to acquire a wetting current from the wetting current circuit via the line-capturing matrix in the network device. In accordance with embodiments of the invention, one wetting current circuit may provide wetting currents for lines of multiple ports by connecting to a line-capturing matrix in the network device. The wetting current circuit may be a built-in or an independent wetting current circuit. By using the solution provided in the embodiments of the invention, the cost of system hardware may be reduced while the power consumption of the system may be lowered.

Abstract: A broadband service, such as Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) service, may be tested by a technician installing or performing maintenance on the broadband service. The technician may use the subscriber's computer as a test set, in which the technician may login to a testing service that may test the line using test equipment located externally to the subscriber premise. A test application may receive, from a computing device located at the subscriber premise, a request to test the broadband service at the subscriber premise as part of installation of the broadband service. The test application may initiate a test of the broadband service using test equipment located externally to the subscriber premise. The test may include tests relating at least to the physical layer of the broadband network connection. Results of the test may be transmitted to the subscriber premise.

Abstract: A method and loop qualification unit for determining loop parameters of a topology of a twisted pair loop for a digital subscriber line system. The parameters are represented by a vector that receives a measurement of a SELT parameter measured at one end of the loop and a measurement of a DELT loop transfer function measured at both ends of the loop. A first model generator generates a first model for the SELT parameter and a second model generator generates a second model for the DELT function based on the loop parameters represented by the vector. A processor then determines the parameters by minimizing the differences between the first model and the SELT parameter, and the second model and the DELT function. The determined parameters are represented by the vector that provides the minimization.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to trigger maintenance and upgrades of access networks are disclosed. An example method comprises obtaining a first value representing a number of unassigned ports associated with a first digital subscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM), obtaining a second value representing a projected number of ports associated with the first DSLAM needed to satisfy at least one of anticipated, projected or pending service requests, and determining whether to automatically submit a preventative maintenance trouble ticket for the first DSLAM based on the first and second values.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for identifying subscriber lines coupled to transceivers of interest. In one exemplary embodiment, an end of a subscriber line is coupled to and terminated by a transceiver of interest. The other end of the subscriber line is coupled to a speaker. The transceiver is then selectively activated and deactivated causing it to transmit its normal frequency spectrum in a predefined pattern. The frequency spectrum includes frequencies audible to humans. Thus, the speaker produces sound capable of being heard by a human, and the sound exhibits periods of noise followed by periods of silence. Indeed, the periods of noise and silence are in a pattern according to the activation/deactivation pattern of the transceiver. Thus, a user can identify the subscriber line that is coupled to the transceiver by identifying which of the lines is coupled to the speaker when the speaker emits noise and silence according to the predefined pattern.