Abstract: A method tests a subscriber line. The method includes providing a classifier to predict a performance characteristic of the line based at least in part on a value of an auxiliary variable. Each value of the auxiliary variable represents a property of the line. The method also includes performing electrical measurements on the subscriber line, using the measurements to predict a value of the auxiliary variable, and predicting the performance characteristic of the line. The act of predicting the characteristic applies the classifier to the predicted value of auxiliary variable.

Abstract: A passive system for monitoring a voice, data, image, text or other telecommunication media by a customer has means to connect the line to be monitored, a processing unit which measure the signals passing through the line means to compare these measured signals with predetermined values, or monitors the progress of a call; and means of indicating the status of the line as determined by the comparison or cell progress monitor, by visual or audible alarm or display.

Abstract: A facility management platform (FMP) monitors and views the status of a plurality of individually addressable downstream devices including, but not limited to, addressable terminals, IRG's, settops, cable modems, taps, nodes, and/or hubs at a network control center. The FMP may display problems at these downstream devices, for example, power loss, and/or may automatically notify the appropriate companies and/or personnel to correct the problem.

Abstract: A test system automatically locates impedance mismatched, energy reflection discontinuities (e.g., bridged taps) along a wireline communication link, by coupling a linearly stepped sinusoidal waveform to a measurement location of the wireline link. The applied waveform propagates down the link and is reflected back from the energy reflection discontinuities. A line monitoring receiver coupled to the measurement location samples the response of the line to the swept waveform. A response processor executes a frequency domain reflectometry algorithm to analyze the frequency response of the wireline to the stepped frequency waveform. It then generates an output representative of distances from the measurement location to the bridged taps.

Abstract: A longitudinal balance test circuit connects to the tip and ring lines of a pair of telephone wires. It also connects to a shield conductor that extends with the tip and ring lines. The test circuit includes a transformer which has two windings. One winding connects to the tip and ring lines, and it also connects to the shield conductor. The other winding connects to a signal generator that provides an alternating current test voltage with which to test longitudinal balance of the tip and ring lines. A method of testing a telephone line for longitudinal balance comprises: measuring an alternating current test signal applied to a telephone line under test; measuring stressed noise of the telephone line in response to the applied. alternating current test signal; calculating, in response to the measured alternating current test signal and the measured stressed noise, an adjusted value related to longitudinal balance regardless of the length of the telephone line under test; and displaying the adjusted value.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed to implement fault detection in DSL loop extenders. The system of the invention includes a plurality of loop extenders coupled to a local loop, a loop extender (LE) test box coupled to the local loop, and fault detection circuitry coupled to each of the plurality of loop extenders. The LE test box sends a tone pair associated with a loop extender over the local loop, the loop extender associated with the tone pair processes the tone pair to generate a response tone and sends the response tone to the LE test box via the local loop. Then, the LE test box determines functionality of the loop extender based upon the received response tone.

Abstract: A frequency domain reflectometry-based bridged tap detection system for a telecommunication wireline employs a prescribed filtering operator, such as a ‘best-fit’ curve filter or a piecewise high pass filter bank, upstream of a Fourier processing operator, to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the digitized amplitude array of the swept frequency band. To fit the response tones within the dynamic range of the analog-to-digital converter that digitizes the response tones detected from the wireline, a signal conditioning circuit, comprised of a comb filter bank, envelope detector and compander, is installed between the test head and the input to the analog-to-digital converter.

Abstract: A system for providing at least one telephone service in a multiservice communication system, the system comprising a combiner for combining a plurality of services for delivery between a source and a user along a common line. A decombiner recovers the plurality of services from the common line, a detector detects a failure condition in at least one of the combiner or the decombiner, and a switch responsive to the detected failure bypasses the failed combiner or decombiner to couple at least one service determined to be critical between the source and the user. This allows an improved response to loss of power than many exiting systems.

Abstract: A wide band noise extrapolation test system, which may reside within a processor-controlled test head installed in a central office, or as part of test signal generation and processing circuitry of a craftsperson's test set, processes data derived from applying single ended stimuli to a plurality of wirelines. The processing mechanism accurately and reliably identifies the locations and amplitudes of remote noise sources for each of the wirelines, by determining attenuation along and the lengths of the wirelines, and then modifying values of noise measurements in accordance with the determined attenuation and length values, so as to extrapolate the amplitudes of the noise at their identified source locations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for qualifying a telephone transmission line for XDSL communication services is disclosed. The system includes a modem, located at the customer premises to be connected. The modem analyzes actual signals to determine the electrical characteristics of the communication channel associated with the customer premises. The modem includes a transmitter, receiver and controller to generate test signals and receive responses. The modem then analyzes the data to generate an output value indicative of the electrical characteristics of the communication channel being tested. This output value is then displayed to a user or transmitted over the communication channel to a network. The system thereby eliminates the necessity of dispatching a technician to test the telephone line, and provides more accurate test results than those achievable at the network-side of the connection alone.

Abstract: A system and method for telephone trouble reporting. One aspect of the present invention is a context-sensitive graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI allows a user to select a trouble reporting option at various stages of a telephone call in a telephony-over-LAN system. Thus, a series of menus listing potential call difficulties are provided in the interface of the digital or IP phone or telephony-enabled computer to the user during the telephone call. Selecting one of the options allows the user to report the problem to the server or other central switch.

Abstract: A system and method to detect ground faults in a multi-processor communication system that includes a communications link that extends between the processors. The processors isolate different sections of the link. Measurements made with different isolated sections establish the location of the fault. The processors can also make measurements of the link to establish the magnitude of a shunt impedance on the link. Where an abnormal value of shunt impedance is detected, the respective devices can activate or deactivate solid state isolation circuitry to disconnect a section of the link exhibiting the abnormal level of shunt impedance.