Abstract: A telecommunications quality measurement system has dialers that initiate and receive telephonic test-calls through voice-oriented networks under the control and supervision of test-call-system servers. A test-call-system common server comprises a locking and queuing device that queues lock queries from test-call-system servers. Locks prevent concurrent test-calls to parties of terminating dialers. The test-call-system servers are granted permission to command initiation of test calls, one at the time in a first-come-first-serve manner to a specific party. The test-call-system common server and the terminating dialers are connected to a data-oriented network for facilitating data communication between them. Results from the test calls are sent from the terminating dialers to the appropriate test-call-system servers via the test-call-system common server.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for defining the mean opinion score (MOS) as a function of frame error rate (FER) and pilot signal strength. In an embodiment of the invention, an entity receives MOS scores that have been obtained using subjective tests for certain calls made within the network. Next, the entity receives FER and pilot signal strength samples that have been obtained for the calls for which MOS scores have been subjectively obtained. Finally, the entity calculates an equation for the MOS as a function of FER and pilot signal strength using a non-linear regression analysis.

Abstract: A system, method, and transceiver unit for determining one or more properties of a digital subscriber line (DSL) utilizing a time-variable finite impulse response (FIR) filter. The transceiver unit sends a loop test signal to the line and calculates an impulse response of a reflection of the loop test signal from the line. The calculated impulse response is filtered utilizing the time-variable FIR filter and properties of the line are determined. Characteristics of the FIR filter may be controlled by a set of parameters that vary as a function of time according to a predetermined formula. As a result, the FIR filter provides both high time resolution of closely separated pulses and amplification of far-end pulse reflections.

Abstract: A method for selecting a profile for a digital subscriber line is disclosed, the method including collecting code violation data for a plurality of digital subscriber lines, identifying a group of problem lines in the plurality of digital subscriber lines, modeling estimated code violations for each of a group profiles for each line in the group of problem lines and selecting one of the group of profiles. A system is disclosed for performing the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wired transmission line testing method for determining at least one physical characteristic of a wired transmission line where the wired transmission line is coupled between a first line transceiver device and a second transceiver device. The wired transmission line testing method first comprises the steps of a first transceiver sending a first known excitation signal over the wired transmission line and subsequently the step of the first transceiver and the second transceiver both generating a first representation of a received signal respectively including reflected or forwarded portions of the known excitation signal and third a processing part deriving at least one physical characteristic of the wired transmission line based on the first representations generated by the first transceiver and the second transceiver.

Abstract: A method to detect a defective or missing filter at a customer's side between a first connection having a first frequency spectrum and a second connection having a second frequency spectrum and using the same physical transmission medium as the first connection between said customer and a central office equipment (DSLAM), comprises the steps of generating and transmitting at least one first type signal within said first frequency spectrum simultaneously performing quality measurements on said second connection in said second frequency spectrum, analyzing said quality measurements for thereby concluding the presence or not of the correct functionality and presence of said filter. An apparatus for performing the method is as well disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling the rules of engagement between a telecommunication carrier and a customer whose network is managed by the telecommunication carrier are provided. A computer system interviews a customer by determining a set of specific questions tailored to the customer's needs, the set of specific questions based on previously stored customer information. Answers to the asked questions are stored as an entry in a master user profile. The master user profile defines the rules of engagement of how the telecommunication carrier shall operate on behalf of the customer on each subsequent transaction without the need of the customer's direct involvement on each element of the transaction. The entry has an associated event and a corresponding action to perform in response to the occurrence of the associated event. Upon receipt of an event occurrence, the corresponding action which includes interoperating with existing telecommunication carrier systems is performed.

Abstract: Subscriber line maintenance apparatus and methods are disclosed. A maintenance operation is performed on a subscriber line in a communication system by an embedded test unit. The test unit limits an effect of the maintenance operation on communication signals that are transferred on the subscriber line during the maintenance operation. In one embodiment, the communication signals are high-frequency signals, and the limiting is achieved by performing the maintenance operation through a low-pass filter, such as the low pass filter of a Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) splitter. The test unit may be implemented as a daughter card carried by another electronic circuit card in a Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer (DSLAM), for example, so that the test unit does not occupy its own card slot in an equipment shelf. One, or more than one, test unit may be provided to serve multiple equipment shelves in a distributed communication equipment architecture.

Abstract: A voice over WLAN diagnostic system. In particular implementations, a method includes simulating, in response to a triggering event, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communications with a remote diagnostics engine; gathering metric data characterizing one or more aspects of the simulated VoIP communications; and periodically transmitting diagnostic packets including the metric data to the remote diagnostics engine; wherein the simulating VoIP communications comprises transmitting diagnostic protocol packets that simulate VoIP communications to the remote diagnostic engine; and intercepting diagnostic protocol packets received from the diagnostics engine.

Abstract: Estimates of a communication system configuration, such as a DSL system, are based on operational data collected from a network element management system, protocol and users. The operational data collected from the system can include performance-characterizing operational data that typically is available in the OSL system via element-management-system protocols. Generated estimates and/or approximations can be used in evaluating system performance and directly or indirectly dictating/requiring changes or recommending improvements in operation by transmitters and/or other parts of the indication system. Data and/or other information may be collected using internal means or using system elements and components via e-mail and/or other extra means. The likelihood of the models accuracy can be based on various data, information and/or indicators of system performance, such as observed normal operational data, test data and/or prompted operational data that shows operating performance based on stimulation signals.

Abstract: The present application discloses an automated digital subscriber line performance control system comprising a computer system including a logic module to evaluate performance of a plurality of DSL lines and to automatically select a set of DSL lines from the plurality of DSL lines, a line profile database responsive to the computer system, the line profile database providing a plurality of line profiles in response to a request from the computer system, and a digital subscriber line access multiplexer coupled to the computer system.

Abstract: A device has a plurality of output terminals to provide a plurality of signals to a plurality of transmission links; at least one input terminal to receive information representing a projection of a complex valued error signal onto one direction; and a determination circuit, coupled to the at least one input terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed that enable a first telecommunications endpoint to ensure that a second endpoint is receiving the first endpoint's packet stream transmissions with a satisfactory waveform quality. When the second endpoint receives the packet stream, it decodes the media waveform from the stream, encodes the waveform back into a second packet stream, and transmits some or all of the packets in the second stream back to the first endpoint. The first endpoint then decodes the received waveform in the second stream and compares it to the original waveform transmitted to the second endpoint. Based on the comparison, the first endpoint adjusts the value of a quality indication, and provides the quality indication to its user and to the second endpoint. Advantageously, the user at the second endpoint is able to determine whether the received waveform is, in fact, close enough to the waveform that the first endpoint's user intended to be received and understood.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for a plug connector sensing apparatus for determining whether a transmission line is present within a receptacle. A reprographic printing system including this apparatus is disclosed. The method of using this plug sensing apparatus comprises determining, with the plug connector sensor, whether the plug connector is present within the receptacle and determining, with a separate signal detector, whether a signal is being communicated through the transmission line.

Abstract: Estimates of a communication system configuration, such as a DSL system, are based on operational data collected from a network element management system, protocol, users and/or the like. The operational data collected from the system can include performance-characterizing operational data that typically is available in an ADSL system via element-management-system protocols. Scanning, wherein a number of line profiles are used in connection with DSL loops having known configurations, can be used to generate a database or library of loop configuration information. One or more of the line profiles can be used with an unknown DSL loop to generate operational data from the unknown DSL loop that is compared to the loop configuration information in the database, allowing identification of loop configuration information pertaining to the unknown DSL loop.

Abstract: The present invention provides two subscriber line testing systems, three broadband/narrowband telecommunication systems and a broadband line card. In the subscriber line testing systems of the present invention, a test module is configured in the CO broadband device, reducing the complexity and the cost of the subscriber line testing systems. In the broadband line card provided by the present invention, line capturing relays are configured in the broadband line card so that the LPF card can be designed as a passive device to reduce corresponding costs, thus using this broadband line card helps reduce the complexity of the CO broadband device and the subscriber cost thereof. In the three broadband/narrowband telecommunication systems provided by the present invention, by using the subscriber line testing systems and the broadband line card, the complexity of broadband/narrowband telecommunication systems and subscriber cost thereof are also reduced.

Abstract: Described are methods, systems, and devices that include obtaining a first measured perceptual quality by measuring, at a first location associated with a communications network, a perceptual quality of a first communication transmitted from the first location to a second location associated with the communications network, obtaining a second measured perceptual quality by measuring perceptual quality of the first communication at the second location; and, based on the first measured perceptual quality and the second measured perceptual quality, generating a first value representative of degradation in the quality of the first communication.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool is adapted to include the capability of initiating one or more diagnostic tests, collecting the raw data from the diagnostic test(s) and transporting the raw diagnostic data to an OSS. The OSS interprets the raw diagnostic data and stores the results in a database. The stored results can be searched, sorted, manipulated, analyzed, and the like. The results of any of these operations can then be, for example, displayed to one or more entities such as customer support, network operators, network planners, or the like.

Abstract: Method, corresponding apparatus and system are provided for transparently testing replacement functionality and optionally migrating subscribers on analog phone lines, served, for example, by PSTN Class 5 elements, to Next Generation Network (NGN) elements when copper co-termination is leveraged. According to an exemplary method, a telephone line for a telephone number is accessed through a metallic test access circuit of an analog network element and it is determined if the telephone line is available to test. If the telephone line is available to test, a port of a Next Generation Network element corresponding to the telephone number is activated, and it is determined whether a copper connection to the port of the Next Generation Network element is operating properly based on a voltage level received through the analog network element.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, computer program products and other embodiments model a system's channel and noise characteristics using one or more Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) by modeling the state dynamics for one or more lines and associated profiles and by learning from the line history. Besides channel and noise characteristics, user data activity also can be modeled using an HMM, where all channel, noise and user data activity can be modeled jointly using HMMs as long as the joint states are properly defined. In multi-line systems, multiple lines (for example, a set of lines in a DSL system binder) may be modeled jointly. After learning channel, noise, user data activity and/or other dynamics using HMM techniques and methods, system operation and/or configuration parameters can be controlled based on the estimated HMM, providing flexible solutions for virtually any channel, noise, user data activity and/or other dynamics.

Abstract: A portable device for collecting data at a geographic location and providing accurate, comprehensive, efficient and timely work prints. The portable device for collecting data at a geographic location, the device including a memory that stores preliminary site information associated with the geographic location; a receiver that receives geographic position data of at least one point at the geographic location; an interface that enables a user to input data corresponding to the received geographic position data; and a processor that supplements the preliminary site information with the received geographic position data and the corresponding input data.

Abstract: A test set includes at least one signal input port, a test circuitry, a processor, a user-input device, and a display. The test circuitry couples to and receives signals from the at least one signal input port. The test circuitry then generates test data corresponding to the received signals. The processor couples to and receives test data from the test circuitry and generates test results. The processor also couples to and receives commands from the user-input device. The processor further operatively couples to the graphical display that receives and displays the test results from the processor. In one embodiment, the test set is capable of performing line qualification and connectivity testing. A modem module can be used to facilitate connectivity testing. The modem module can be a plug-in module with a common interface to the test set. The modem module can also contain a fingerprint value that identifies the module type and the software revision number to the test set.

Abstract: A test system and method for performing DSL assessments of a telephone line along a prescribed test path is disclosed. The disclosed test system and method includes a loop diagnostic test unit adapted for testing said telephone line using narrow-band and mid-band frequency test signals; a test system controller and a test system server to provide the DSL assessments to a user via an appropriate interface. In addition, the disclosed analysis methods utilize primary line condition information, secondary line condition information, historical line information, together with real-time measurements and external data inputs to perform line imbalance analysis, fault identification analysis, trend analysis, and jurisdictional analysis all of which have relevance to quality, performance and assurance of DSL service through the telephone line.

Abstract: A testing system includes a computer with a modem interface to be tested, a telephone, and a telephone simulator having two input ports electrically respectively coupled to a modem in the computer and the telephone. The computer has a main test procedure capable of sending commands to the telephone via the telephone simulator, receiving feedback signals from the telephone, and determining if the modem interface is functioning properly according to the feedback signals. A testing method utilizing the above-described testing system is also disclosed.

Abstract: An equivalent working length (EWL) determinative system (11) for use in a digital subscriber line (DSL) telecommunication network (10) is provided. The EWL system (11) includes a DSL circuit (32) having a customer site (14) with customer premises equipment (30). The customer premises equipment (30) receives and transmits communication signals and generates a first attenuation signal in response to the communication signals. A remote terminal (20) forms a loop (31) with the customer site (14) and has a loop length. The remote terminal (20) includes a remote terminal transceiver (40) that is in communication with the customer premises equipment (30). A main controller (37) is electrically coupled to the customer premises equipment (30) and determines an EWL of the loop (31) in response to the first attenuation signal. A method of performing the same is also provided.

Abstract: A method and system of an embodiment may provide a user interface enabling automated testing of a network device. The automated testing may include specifying a network device to be tested, specifying a network technology for testing the network device, specifying a client of the network device, configuring network connectivity for the network device, and enabling execution by the client of a network device of a test action. Configuring network connectivity may include dynamically configuring a network to include the specified network technology and the specified network device.

Abstract: Improved DSL and/or other communication system services can be provided by motivating users, service providers and operators to implement and comply with one or more operational conditions, such as parameter value limits and/or ranges, that enhance operation of the communication system. Enhanced operation can include providing a reward such as an operational benefit to one or more users and/or mitigating problems experienced by other users in the communication system, which can be one or more communication lines. A DSL line implementing and complying with one or more operational conditions is provided with a reward (such as an operational benefit like a higher maximum data rate), which is otherwise withheld if the line fails to comply with the condition(s). Each operational condition may be set and monitored by a controller, such as a DSL optimizer that collects and analyzes operational data to determine compliance.

Abstract: A device for testing a data carrying service operating over a telecommunications line includes a plurality of test circuits. Each test circuit is arranged to determine and test one or more characteristics of a data carrying service and a termination of the telecommunications line is emulated. The operation of each of the plurality of test circuits is controlled, and the telecommunications lines is connected to one or more of the plurality of test circuits. The data carrying service remains connected via a connection during all of the testing operations provided by one or more of the test circuits which enables the device to automatically determine the identity of the data carrying service. The test circuits may be arranged to enable emulation of a termination to be interconnected so as to enable the device to provide a passive link in the data carrying service and/or provide throughput testing of the telecommunications line.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for testing a Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) communication system. A VoIP test phone call is generated through an Internet communication link to a VoIP service provider for a called telephone number. Success of the VoIP test phone call is determined. The success of the VoIP test phone call may be determined based on whether it is established with communication equipment at the called telephone number within a threshold time, based on whether it is established within a threshold number of attempts, and/or based on a measured quality of service in the VoIP test phone call when it is established. Further VoIP test phone calls to test the VoIP communication system can be scheduled.

Abstract: An apparatus to actively monitor a network having a plurality of twisted-pair communication links. The apparatus includes a plurality of amplifiers corresponding, respectively, to the plurality of twisted-pair communication links, each amplifier having a sufficiently high input impedance and common-mode voltage tolerance to non-intrusively copy a data signal transmitted through a corresponding twisted-pair communication link and amplify the copied data signal. The apparatus further includes a plurality of isolation transformers corresponding, respectively, to the plurality of amplifiers, each isolation transformer receiving the amplified, copied data signal from the corresponding amplifier, and outputting a transformed data signal, and a connector receiving the transformed data signals from the plurality of isolation transformers in a pin order corresponding to the plurality of twisted-pair communication links.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for testing subscriber lines and method thereof. The system includes a broadband line testing control module and a remote terminal subscriber access control module located at a subscriber line that is located between the broadband line testing control module and a remote terminal unit. The broadband line testing control module sends a signal of disconnecting the subscriber line to the remote terminal subscriber access control module, and tests the subscriber line. The remote terminal subscriber access control module receives said signal from the broadband line testing control module, and controls the remote terminal unit to disconnect from or connect to the subscriber line based on said signal. With the system and method according to the present invention, not only the precision of subscriber line testing is guaranteed, but also the subscriber lines can be periodically tested without manual operation.

Abstract: A portable testing device for testing a telecommunications line comprises a control circuit, a test module coupled to the control circuit, the test module including a DSLAM modem, and a relay matrix that includes a series of relays configured to connect with a plurality of wire pairs of the telecommunications line. A first wire pair is coupled to the control circuit via a transceiver and a second wire pair is coupled to the test module, where the relay matrix is coupled to the control circuit via a relay driver. The device, system and method of the present invention can be used to qualify the existing telecommunications line for broadband speed capacity and operation.

Abstract: A system and method for performing DSL assessments of a telephone line along a prescribed test path is disclosed. The disclosed system includes a loop diagnostic test unit adapted for testing said telephone line using narrow-band and mid-band frequency test signals; a test system controller and a test system server to provide the DSL assessments to a user via an appropriate interface. In addition, the disclosed methods include the basic steps of: accessing the telephone line along the test path that includes selected hardware such as a voice switch test bus, central office splitter, service provider instruments and terminations; ascertaining various line characteristics along the test path using mid-band and narrow-band frequency signals; analyzing the line characteristics to identify line conditions that affect DSL service; and determining the impact of the line conditions on DSL service.

Abstract: A device for testing a data carrying service operating over a telecommunications line includes a plurality of test circuits. Each test circuit is arranged to determine and test one or more characteristics of a data carrying service and a termination of the telecommunications line is emulated. The operation of each of the plurality of test circuits is controlled, and the telecommunications lines is connected to one or more of the plurality of test circuits. The data carrying service remains connected via a connection during all of the testing operations provided by one or more of the test circuits which enables the device to automatically determine the identity of the data carrying service. The test circuits may be arranged to enable emulation of a termination to be interconnected so as to enable the device to provide a passive link in the data carrying service and/or provide throughput testing of the telecommunications line.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a center office wideband device with a self-detection function and a method of detecting XDSL ports, where at least one control switch group is provided in the device. The respective XDSL center office ports are connected through the control switch group to outside lines with which remote user devices are connected, and the control switch group receives a control command transmitted from a control system within the device, disconnects any of the XDSL center office ports based upon the control command, and exchanges the outside lines with which two of the XDSL center office ports are connected. Through the control switch group, any of the XDSL center office ports is disconnected, or the outside lines with which two of the XDSL center office ports are connected are exchanged.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of transmitting a modulated data over a digital voice network that includes voice compression. The method and apparatus determine whether a voice signal to be transmitted over the network includes a modulated data signal and then encodes or demodulates the modulated data signal and bypasses voice compression when a modulated data signal is detected. The method and apparatus may detect a modulated data signal by detecting the presence of an answer tone and then searching for a plurality of phase reversals having a particular time distance from each other in the voice signal. Once the encoded or demodulated signal is transmitted over the digital voice network, the method and apparatus of the present invention may detect whether the received signal is an encoded data signal or a demodulated data signal. Then the coded data signal may be decoded back into a modulated data signal. Likewise, the demodulated data signal may be modulated back into a modulated data signal.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool is adapted to include the capability of initiating one or more diagnostic tests, collecting the raw data from the diagnostic test(s) and transporting the raw diagnostic data to an OSS. The OSS interprets the raw diagnostic data and stores the results in a database. The stored results can be searched, sorted, manipulated, analyzed, and the like. The results of any of these operations can then be, for example, displayed to one or more entities such as customer support, network operators, network planners, or the like.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling the rules of engagement between a telecommunication carrier and a customer whose network is managed by the telecommunication carrier are provided. A computer system interviews a customer by determining a set of specific questions tailored to the customer's needs, the set of specific questions based on previously stored customer information. Answers to the asked questions are stored as an entry in a master user profile. The master user profile defines the rules of engagement of how the telecommunication carrier shall operate on behalf of the customer on each subsequent transaction without the need of the customer's direct involvement on each element of the transaction. The entry has an associated event and a corresponding action to perform in response to the occurrence of the associated event. Upon receipt of an event occurrence, the corresponding action which includes interoperating with existing telecommunication carrier systems is performed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for single end loop testing for DSL provisioning and maintenance provides testing of the DSL loop using digital techniques including frequency compensation, matched filtering and median filtering, to remove strong background and enhance desired signal for peak detection. The SELT system allows DSL providers to extract loop information from reflective measurements at the central office (CO) so as to determine loop capability of supporting different DSL services. The method and apparatus acquires the desired signal (the far-end echo) which is submerged in the correlated background noise (the near-end echo) by providing a process for detecting loop length and termination types with high accuracy for loops up to 12 kft for 24 AWG and up to 9 kft for 26 AWG by exploiting several digital signal processing techniques including frequency.

Abstract: A network interface device is positioned between a subscriber loop and the internal wiring of a subscriber's premise. Operational and performance data is captured and stored in memory for later use and analysis. Commands issued to the network interface device selectively loop-back transmitted data at either the network or subscriber side of the network interface device and/or selectively engage or disengage one or more of the addressed subscriber and premise loops.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting faults on a telephone line, the method comprising: comparing measured characteristics of the line with a model, said model modeling expected characteristics of the telephone line; and in response to the comparison, generating a fault alert signal if the comparison between the measured characteristics and the modeled expected characteristics differ by more than a pre-determined threshold, wherein said characteristics comprise characteristics relating to the transmission of data on the line within a plurality of predetermined frequency bands

Abstract: The technology described herein provides systems and methods for remote emergency wireless E-911 call testing. The wireless E-911 call testing system includes a remote call testing unit (RCTU) which, in combination with an Automated Emergency Operator Server (AEOS), allows for verification of 911 call functionality without the need for in-person, on-site testing at each cellular site.

Abstract: The invention refers to single-ended test of a loop (2, 3). A test device (TD1) is connected to a remote device (3) via a line (2). The remote device is powered on and transmits intermittently handshake signals (HS1), which can disturb the loop test. A receiving and calculating unit (RE1) detects the handshake signals (HS1) and orders a sending unit (SD1) to send a halting signal (NAK-EF) to the remote device. The latter is halted for predetermined silent period of time, during which the test or a part of it is performed. If required the halting of the handshake signals is repeated. The test device sends a broadband loop test signal (S1) and receives a reflected signal (S2) during the silent period. A frequency dependent echo transfer function is generated from the signals (S1, S2) and is used for generating desired properties of the line (2) such as its length (L).

Abstract: Problem to Be Solved It is to evaluate whether or not various types of devices can achieve the required performances. Means to Solve the Problem An evaluation device 20 comprises a circuit element comprising respective pairs of inputs and outputs including several capacitances 25a-25c and resistances 26a-26d, one end of each being connected to both ends of the capacitances 25a-25c, wherein a resistance value of a signal input side is generally equal to that of a signal output side. The evaluation device 20 is further provided with a connecting terminal with an output device 10 for outputting signals to a device to be evaluated 30 on the signal input side, and is provided with a connecting terminal with the device to be evaluated 30 on the signal output side.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods for determining the characteristics of a local loop using the multi-carrier tones of a DSL activation process. For one embodiment, one or more sets of downstream multi-carrier tones of a digital subscriber line activation process are received at an extended voice-band modem and are capable of transmitting upstream multi-carrier tones of the digital subscriber line activation process over a local loop. The downstream carrier tones and the upstream carrier tones are folded into a first multi-tone signal and a second multi-tone signal, respectively, each having a plurality of component signals within the spectrum band of the extended voice-based modem. The total signal power of the first multi-tone signal is divided by the power of one of the plurality of component signals of the second multi-tone signal to determine a ratio value. The ratio value is used to determine a characteristic of the local loop.

Abstract: A system and method for multiple inputs, multiple outputs (MIMO) PSD allocation in a DSL system is disclosed. In some embodiments, the method may comprise monitoring system performance by performing a multi-ended line test (MELT), processing the MELT and allocating PSD based on at least one of system coupling power and system traffic.

Abstract: Method and system for determining data transfer margins and/or bit rates for network connections, the physical length of a network connection between a transmitter and receiver being known. A power spectrum is measured depending upon transfer frequency for possible modem types. Attenuation, and thus actual signal strength, is determined for different physical lengths and cable wire thicknesses of the network connection. Noise level is determined at least depending upon crosstalk parameters, number of interference sources, and equalizer factors based on the power spectrum. The data transfer margins are determined for different data transmission modulations and/or modulation codings for a pre-defined bit rate, based on the actual signal strengths and corresponding noise levels, by a Gaussian transformation module. The data transfer margins are corrected by a correction factor containing average deviation of the stored data transfer margin with respect to the actual data transfer margin.

Abstract: The length and attenuation of a signal line between a transmitter and a customer premises equipment is to be estimated. A frequency dependent line input impedance (Zin(f)) as seen from the transmitter, is measured and an absolute impedance value (œ Zin(f) œ) is generated. The latter is shown as a curve (A1) in the diagram with the frequency (f) on the abscissa and the impedance (œ Zin(f) œ) on the ordinate. Extreme values (Max.1, Max2, Max3; Min1, Min2, Min3) arc denoted and a frequency distance (FD1-FD4) between two consecutive of the extreme values is generated. The line length (L) is generated as L=½·vop/FD1, in which vop is the velocity of propagation of a signal on the line. The attenuation is estimated by multiplying the line length with an average attenuation value for the actual line type. The advantages are that the line length can be estimated with good accuracy in a simple manner for short lines and that the line attenuation is estimated in a simple manner.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product are provided for filtering various voice protocols. A plurality of voice protocols is initially displayed. Next, an indication is received from a user as to the selection of the voice protocols. It is further determined as to a particular filtering mode that is currently operating. Next, the selected voice protocols are filtered in the determined filtering mode.

Abstract: A digital wideband node (DWN) (28, 48) is coupled to a remote terminal (RT) (22, 42) that in turn is coupled to a subscriber's telephone line (26, 46). The DWN (28, 48) is configured to (1) pass a subscriber's telephone number signal directly to the RT (22, 42) whereupon a test path (25, 45) is formed with the subscriber's telephone line (26, 46), (2) pass POTS test signals directly to the RT (22, 42) for testing the subscriber's telephone line (26, 46) via the test path (25, 45) and (3) process wideband test control signals into wideband test signals which are conveyed to the RT (22, 42) for wideband testing of the subscriber's telephone line (26, 46) via the test path (25, 45).