Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing telephone sets to determine their sound quality comprising a system for repeatedly applying a sequence of pulse tones to a test telephone where the respective tone frequencies are different and within the normal human voice range.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optimum ADSL line configuration parameter to a subscriber line and improves performance quality of an ADSL line. An ADSL line performance test portion implements an ADSL performance test before starting ADSL line service operation and grasps a subscriber line state. Test results are stored in a database and are referred to for the sake of maintenance of ADSL line service. In addition, the ADSL line performance test portion operates in a maintenance mode as required and also implements the ADSL line performance test in an ADSL line service operation state so as to constantly hold in the database a current optimum ADSL line configuration parameter for the subscriber line.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for determining a state of loop termination. One embodiment comprises receiving an un-calibrated echo signal for the loop under test using frequency domain reflectometry single-ended line testing (FDR-SELT) and determining the state of loop termination based on phase of the un-calibrated echo signal. The step of determining the state of loop termination comprises determining whether the loop is terminated by an open termination or a short termination by correlating the phase of the echo signal with an expected phase of the echo signal derived from measurements taken at the same loop length for open and short terminations. For other embodiments, the amplitude of the un-calibrated echo signal is analyzed to determine whether the loop is terminated by a matched-impedance termination.

Abstract: A method, system, and medium are provided for testing a network communications component. A model of a substantially ideal communications network is provided and a test signal is generated at an input of the network model. An output signal from the model is transmitted to the network component. The signal is suitable for analyzing acoustic parameters of the network component. The acoustic parameters are analyzed based upon a response of the network component to the output signal.

Abstract: A method and a system for impairment line testing are provided. The method includes electrically connecting a first terminal of a measurement device, which may be a time domain reflectometer, to both wires of a twisted wire pair of a telephone line, which interconnects a telephone line card with a subscriber. The second terminal of the measurement device is electrically connected to a common reference, which may be the ground reference. Then, the method includes performing an impairment testing on the telephone line from the measurement device toward the subscriber.

Abstract: A method is described for detecting total end-to-end loss of data packets in a packet network that does not require direct access to the packet network. A test signal is generated at a source end point indirectly coupled to the packet network. The test signal is transmitted over the packet network to a destination end point also indirectly coupled to the packet network. At the destination end point a modified test signal is received and examined to detect irregularities and then processed to determine whether the irregularities in the recorded signal represent packet loss.

Abstract: A method for identifying among a plurality of devices, through which a voice communication path is connected, a device transmitting an echo signal onto the voice communication path, includes transmitting a predetermined signal to each of the devices from a predetermined portion on the voice communication path, receiving a response signal for the predetermined signal from each of the devices, measuring a period of time for the predetermined signal to travel from the predetermined portion to each of the devices and for the response signal to travel back to the predetermined portion, monitoring a upstream signal and a downstream signal traveling on the voice communication path, extracting an eco component from the downstream signal to determine an echo delay time, and comparing the period of time and the echo delay time to determine a device which causes the echo signal.

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: The invention includes a system and a method for testing a communication network. The inventive method transmits a first signal from a first point to a second point of the communication network, where the first and the second points are remotely located. The inventive method further includes recording a first time value of the transmitting of the first signal using a first clock, receiving a second signal at the second point of the communication network, and recording a second time value of the receiving using a second clock. The first clock and the second clock operate from a substantially similar reference. The method may further include comparing the first signal and the second signal as a function of the first and second time values. Also, the method may determine at least one performance characteristic of the communication network based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method for monitoring performance of a mobile device involves intercepting a first monitoring request from a monitoring management host, where the first monitoring request is associated with the mobile device, enabling a monitoring agent associated with the mobile device, establishing a thin listener associated with the monitoring agent, transmitting a second monitoring request, in response to the first monitoring request, to the mobile device, receiving, by the thin listener, data from the mobile device in response to the second monitoring request, analyzing the data received in response to the second monitoring request to obtain an analysis report, and transmitting the analysis report to the monitoring management host, in response to the first monitoring request.

Abstract: A remote test unit and method of operation are provided for utilizes the ability of an access matrix ability to route signals. The Remote Test Unit can emulate a central Digital Subscriber Line Modem (DSLM-C) for testing customer premises equipment containing a remote Digital Subscriber Line Modem (remote Digital Subscriber Line Modem). The Remote Test Unit can also emulate a remote Digital Subscriber Line Modem for testing central offices equipment including a digital subscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM) containing a central Digital Subscriber Line Modem. The Remote Test Unit can also emulate a concentrator connected to the DSLAM, a router connected to the concentrator, an Internet service provider (ISP) connected to the router, and a web site connected to the Internet service provider over the Internet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for minimizing alien crosstalk between connectors. Specifically, the methods and systems relate to isolation and compensation techniques for minimizing alien crosstalk between connectors for use with high-speed data cabling. A frame can be configured to receive a number of connectors. Shield structures may be positioned to isolate at least a subset of the connectors from one another. The connectors can be positioned to move at least a subset of the connectors away from alignment with a common plane. A signal compensator may be configured to adjust a data signal to compensate for alien crosstalk. The connectors are configured to efficiently and accurately propagate high-speed data signals by, among other functions, minimizing alien crosstalk.

Abstract: Communication terminal apparatuses and methods can detect and/or adjust a signal characteristic. The communication terminal may include a controller to compare a signal characteristic of a received test signal with a prescribed reference signal characteristic, and output a result of the comparison or adjust a signal characteristic for a subsequent signal. Accordingly, an abnormality in the signal characteristic, which may be caused by the displacement of a part occurring in the manufacturing and distributing process of the communication terminal apparatus, can be detected and/or adjusted.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for analyzing transmission lines with decoupling of connectors and other circuit elements. According to one aspect of the invention, circuits with one or more parasitic elements are analyzed by partitioning at least one of the parasitic elements in a transverse manner; identifying a plurality of subcircuits each comprised of partitioned circuit elements from the plurality of transmission lines and one or more parasitic elements in a given path; wherein each of the subcircuits is associated with a path in the circuit; performing a waveform relaxation analysis between each of the subcircuits; and repeating the step of performing the waveform relaxation analysis using waveforms determined in a previous iteration until convergence to a resultant waveform has occurred. The circuit can optionally further comprise one or more transmission lines which would also be partitioned in a transverse manner.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for verifying communications paths on a network. A test signal is forwarded between network nodes to evaluate quality of service in an IP telephony system. A test call is generated by a call initiator, communicated to one or more network devices, and forwarded from the one or more network devices to a call recipient according to address information associated with the test call. During the test call, a test signal is communicated between the call initiator, the call recipient, and the one or more network devices. The quality of service of the IP telephony network is evaluated according to characteristics associated with the test signal.

Abstract: An audio processor for two way communication includes a signal generator for producing test signals coupled to selected test points in the audio processor. An echo canceling circuit and a voice detection circuit within the audio processor provide data representing the response of the audio processing circuit to said test signals. The test signals include a single tone signal and a sweep frequency signal. Data from the test is used for adjusting the audio processor according to the results of the tests.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for connecting a tone generator to a plurality of conductors communication line. The apparatus includes an interconnect structure that includes multiple leads each including an electrically conductive portion having a first end and a second end. The multiple leads are commonly electrically attached at the first end and are configured to electrically attach to a tone generator. The multiple leads also include a plurality of electrical connection devices electrically attached to a plurality of corresponding leads at the second end. A plurality of first electrical connection devices are configured to engage a plurality of electrical conductors of a communication line to provide an electrical connection between the tone generator and a plurality of electrical conductors of the communication line. The system includes a tone generator coupled to the interconnect structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detection of impedances, in particular along inductances, in telephone lines of the type with two metal wires as signal conductors (twisted pair), having the following method steps: a test signal in the form of an AC voltage is fed into the telephone line, a measurement signal of the reflection signal of the test signal is measured, which can be tapped off the input impedance of the entire line at the start of the line, the first method steps are carried out at a number of different frequencies within a preselected frequency range of the AC voltage of the test signal, the profile of the measurement signals is analyzed as a function of the frequency, with the derivative of the profile of the measurement signals being formed based on the frequency, at which point the second derivative of the profile of the measurement signals is formed based on the frequency, the profile of the second derivative of the profile of the measurement signals based on the frequency is investigat

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing telephone sets to determine their sound quality comprising a system for repeatedly applying a sequence of pulse tones to a test telephone where the respective tone frequencies are different and within the normal human voice range.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and a method for testing a communication network. The inventive method transmits a first signal from a first point to a second point of the communication network, where the first and the second points are remotely located. The inventive method further includes recording a first time value of the transmitting of the first signal using a first clock, receiving a second signal at the second point of the communication network, and recording a second time value of the receiving using a second click. The first clock and the second clock operate from a substantially similar reference. The method may further include comparing the first signal and the second signal as a function of the first and second time values. Also, the method may determine at least one performance characteristic of the communication network based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method of communicating digitized speech from a transmitting forum participant comprises the step of receiving a data structure that includes said digitized speech. The data structure is analyzed to determine whether the digitized speech is redundantly represented in a plurality of forms in the data structure. A portion of the data structure is forwarded to a receiving forum participant, thereby communicating the digitized speech from the transmitting forum participant. In this method, when the digitized speech is redundantly represented in the data structure in a plurality of forms, the forwarding step includes a step of selecting one or more forms, based on a function, from the plurality of forms in the data structure. A representative function includes a determination whether the receiving participant is a paid subscriber.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatuses to determine the characteristics of a local loop using the multi-tone line-probing signals of a standard voice-based modem. For one embodiment, the multi-tone, line-probing signals of a voice-band modem are transmitted over a local loop and received at a standard voice band modem. Discrete Fourier transform values are determined for each of two or more frequencies of the plurality of frequencies of the multi-tone signals. A set of discrete Fourier transform values corresponding to a set of high frequencies is summed to obtain a first value and a set of discrete Fourier transform values corresponding to a set of low frequencies is summed to obtain a second value. A power ratio is determined by dividing the first value by the second value. The power ratio is then used to determine a characteristic of the local loop.

Abstract: A method of establishing a transmission power level for signals transmitted in a conductor is provided in an environment where signal interference is present between the signals in the conductor and separate signals carried in a proximate conductor. The method includes the steps of determining a reference signal interference level at an end of the proximate conductor from a reference signal capable of being propagated from an opposing end of the proximate conductor and determining a transmission power level for the signals to provide a signal interference level based on the reference signal interference level. A system embodying the method is also provided.

Abstract: The structural and termination characteristics of a telephone or other wiring circuit can be determined by generating a continuous stream of low-energy electrical signals, injecting these into the circuit under test, and analyzing the energy reflected at impedance changes in the frequency domain. Standing waves occurring in the circuit can be identified as a function of frequency and analyzed to locate the impedance discontinuities. An unambiguous numerical representation of the circuit can be generated and used to categorically determine if two circuits are indeed alike, or whether the structural and termination characteristics of a particular circuit has remained the same or changed over time. Waveforms are employed that are not sensed by circuits that carry digital telephone traffic, so that the invention is useful in characterizing and providing security protection for those type of circuits in situ.

Abstract: A method is described for detecting total end-to-end loss of data packets in a packet network that does not require direct access to the packet network. A test signal is generated at a source end point indirectly coupled to the packet network. The test signal is transmitted over the packet network to a destination end point also indirectly coupled to the packet network. At the destination end point a modified test signal is received and examined to detect irregularities and then processed to determine whether the irregularities in the recorded signal represent packet loss.

Abstract: In the course of a reflectometry-based qualification procedure of a local loop, which connects customer premises to a central office of a telecommunication network, and in the event of being unable to identify the loop termination associated with the customer premises, a second reflectometry measurement of the local loop is carried out with a different impedance load at the customer premises. Next, the two reflectograms are compared with each other in the time domain in order to delineate among all the reflections those at the customer premises and to determine therefrom the position of the customer premises in the local loop.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of remotely controlling electronic devices, such as telecommunication equipment attached to telephone lines, test equipment, and/or home electronics includes a master board (105) having its own IP address and arranged and constructed to receive (401) instructions via the internet (103) from a remote terminal (101). The instructions are interpreted and converted into one or more commands that are directed (405) to a slave board (113 or 117) that performs, in response to the command(s), one or more operations on a telephone line and its associated hardware and/or software (115), a piece of test equipment (125), lights (123), or other type of electronic device. Any results of the operations may be returned to the terminal (101).

Abstract: An apparatus and technique for determining whether a telephone loop is capable of carrying a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) signal. Time domain reflected (TDR) signals that are echoes of transmit impulse signals are processed using time domain echo averaging and echo enhancement using second-order statistics. Each technique allows clearer visualization of the TDR echo signal by reducing the noise and distortion present in the TDR signals. These statistical signal processing techniques allow determination of telephone loop characteristics such as loop length once the TDR echo signal amplitude and time index are calculated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for performing line qualification tests, and binning the results of such testing. The lines are tested to determine or estimate various characteristics of the line. Physical characteristics of the line may be estimated (e.g. line length, line gauge, insertion loss). The presence of devices on the line such as load coils, bridged taps, terminations and the like may also be determined. A prediction of the data rate the loop can support is made from the measured and estimated line conditions. The results are binned according to certain criteria and to provide an easily discernable status of the line. The binning can be performed by a computer using software designed specifically for this purpose. The binned results may include a first category indicating the line cannot support a certain level of high speed access. The binned results may also include a second category indicating the line can support a certain level of high speed access.

Abstract: A method for testing a subscriber line of a PABX (Private Automatic Branch eXchange) using a DTMF (Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency) signal. The method includes the step of controlling a DTMF transmitter in response to a line test request from an exchange operator to transmit the DTMF signal to the subscriber line, the step of receiving a component of the transmitted DTMF signal reflected from the subscriber line due to impedance mismatching, and the step of determining from a strength of the received DTMF signal component whether the subscriber line is abnormal.

Abstract: A system for testing a communication network includes a test system and a cross-connect system. The test system generates a plurality of independent low data rate test signals with first data rates. The test system combines the independent low data rate test signals to generate a high data rate test signal. The test system then transmits the high data rate test signal from the test system to a shared test port. The cross-connect system transfers the high data rate test signal to a cross-connect matrix that connects the independent low data rate test signals to the communication network. The cross-connect system then receives the independent low data rate test signals from the communication network into the shared test port. The cross-connect system transmits the high data rate test signal from the shared test port to the test system. The test system separates the high data rate test signal into the independent low data rate test signals.

Abstract: The invention concerns a time domain reflectometry method for estimating properties of a transmission channel, for instance a channel for transmitting electric or acoustic signals. This method includes the steps of generating, at one end of the channel, a plurality of pulses (40, 42, 44) covering differency frequency bands, and processing the echoes provided by these pulses at the same end of the channel. The frequency bands of the generated pulses are preferably overlapping. The invention is particularly applicable to the testing of ADSL services.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and a method for testing a communication network. The inventive method transmits a first signal from a first point to a second point of the communication network, where the first and the second points are remotely located. The inventive method further includes recording a first time value of the transmitting of the first signal using a first clock, receiving a second signal at the second point of the communication network, and recording a second time value of the receiving using a second clock. The first clock and the second clock operate from a substantially similar reference. The method may further include comparing the first signal and the second signal as a function of the first and second time values. Also, the method may determine at least one performance characteristic of the communication network based on the comparison.

Abstract: The loop length, the number of bridge taps and the length of the bridged taps can be estimated by comparing through the use of differential evolution a measured frequency domain channel impulse response of the transmission line to a model of a transmission line that is composed of multiple sections and multiple bridge taps. The diagnostic and test information describing the condition of the line can then be exchanged, for example, by two transceivers during a diagnostic link mode, or the like.

Abstract: A method for providing real-time perceptual quality measurements of an audio signal (12) in which a quality test signal, including an audio test signal, is received by equipment under test. Playback of a pre-stored representation of the audio signal is coarsely synchronized (20) to the received audio test signal, for example, utilizing a synchronizing pulse in a header of the quality test signal. The playback is then finely synchronized (24) to the received audio signal, for example, by comparing data in a windowed portion of the received audio test signal and a windowed portion of the pre-stored representation of the audio test signal and by adjusting a windowed portion of the pre-stored representation of the audio test signal in accordance with results of the comparison. A window of the received audio test singal is then compared (14) to a portion of the finely synchronized play back of the pre-stored representation of the audio test signal to output a quality measurement of the received audio test signal.

Abstract: A system for performing broadband differential time domain measurement on a subscriber loop. The system comprises a waveform generator coupled to a sampling head. The sampling head includes positive and negative pulse generators each coupled to one of the lines of the subscriber loop. The subscriber lines are in turn also coupled to two inputs of a differential amplifier, whose output is connected to an oscilloscope or other detector.

Abstract: The system to pre-qualify copper subscriber loops for high bandwidth access service determines electrical characteristics of a subscriber line served by a central office switch from a location remote from said subscriber line absent a direct metallic connection exclusively to said subscriber line. This is accomplished where the subscriber line has subscriber equipment connected thereto at an end distant from said central office switch by establishing a communication connection through the central office switch between the service provider and the subscriber equipment connected to said subscriber line. In response to the establishment of this communication connection, electrical signals, comprising voice signals, are applied to the subscriber line to enable the service provider to determine the electrical characteristics of the subscriber line by analyzing the received electrical signals.

Abstract: A communications quality measurement system for use with packet and other networks comprises a test signal transmitter, a test signal receiver, and a test signal analyzer. A test transmitter is used to produce a series of test signals selected or engineered for measuring one or more desired Quality of Service or other performance parameters of a network path to be tested. A first copy of the test signal is transmitted via a reference path of known characteristics and with minimal impairments. A second copy of the test signal is transmitted via the network path to be tested. A test receiver receives and records the signals which were carried via the reference and test paths. A test signal analyzer compares the signals received over the reference and test paths and analyzes differences to determine Quality of Service or other parameters, such as Bearer Delay, Cell or Packet Loss, Echo Delay, and Echo Amplitude, some of which are directed to the particular impairments that are characteristic of packet networks.

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: An apparatus and method for testing the connectivity of subscriber terminals more efficiently. A subscriber test controller controls a process of a subscriber test by sending related test parameters and identification data to identify a target subscriber to be tested. A subscriber data management unit collects subscriber data and centrally manages the collected subscriber data. A target subscriber determination unit identifies the target subscriber by using the identification data in searching the subscriber data. A subscriber test execution unit receives the test parameters through a transmission path routed separately from trunks interconnecting the telecommunications devices, and runs a subscriber test according to the received test parameters.

Abstract: A method for testing a subscriber line of a PABX (Private Automatic Branch eXchange) using a DTMF (Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency) signal. The method includes the step of controlling a DTMF transmitter in response to a line test request from an exchange operator to transmit the DTMF signal to the subscriber line, the step of receiving a component of the transmitted DTMF signal reflected from the subscriber line due to impedance mismatching, and the step of determining from a strength of the received DTMF signal component whether the subscriber line is abnormal.

Abstract: An echo plug is plugged into a hands-free jack of a wireless telephone for testing purposes. A test signal is transmitted from a test system to the wireless telephone over a test call. In the echo plug, the test signal is looped back from a speaker connection to a microphone connection of the hands-free jack. The test signal is transmitted from the wireless telephone to the test system over the test call. In other embodiments, an echo plug is used to loop a test signal from a speaker connection of a first wireless telephone to a microphone connection of a second wireless telephone.

Abstract: A method and system for trading IP bandwidth in an exchange environment. Participating members of the exchange register their IP route destinations with the exchange. The exchange collects buy and sell orders, which include parameters such as the desired destination, price and quality of the routes. The buy and sell orders are matched based on the specified parameters, and lists of matched orders are forwarded to members' routers for execution of the trades. The exchange settles the executed trades by issuing invoices in accordance with the buyer members' usage of the bandwidth offered by the seller members.

Abstract: A system, method, and signal are disclosed for line probing. The invention provides an improved signal for line probing having desirable characteristics. In various embodiments the signal comprises a periodic sequence having good autocorrelation characteristics. The periodic sequence of the invention provides a faster and more accurate evaluation of the channel. Another embodiment of the invention comprises processing of the received sequence to determine a desired or maximum data rate for the line or channel. The invention also provides an evaluation and calculation of the noise on the line or channel.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for operating a communications system, wherein a telecommunications network provides a transmission channel in order to transfer a message between connected subscribers. The method includes the following steps: monitor the functional reliability of a first subscriber line connected to a switching station; generate a fault message if this subscriber line is not functionally reliable; and transmit this fault message to a second subscriber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting a supported signal path for a transceiver in a communication system is provided. An exemplary embodiment of the apparatus includes a relay for selecting a first test signal path from a first signal path and a second signal path. A signal detector coupled to the relay may be used to determine whether a specified signal type is present on the first test signal path. A relay controller causes the relay to select a second test signal path from the first signal path and the second signal path in response to the signal detector determining that the specified signal type is not present on the first test signal path.

Abstract: A bit error rate test (BERT) system is configured as a field programmable gate array that emulates multiple independent BERT generators. The BERT generators produce test frames containing test pattern codes associated with respectively different time division multiplexed (TDM) digital communication channels, that are not necessarily mutually contiguous within a plurality of TDM timeslots of a network communication frame serving digital communication circuits. A framing unit assembles the test code patterns into a test frame and transmits the test frame over a serial network interface to a plurality of digital channel units of a channel bank. The framing unit also interfaces contents of test code patterns within test frames returned from the channel units over the serial network interface with a plurality of data channel-specific virtual BERT receivers, associated with respective digital communication channels.

Abstract: A communications system includes first and second subscriber lines, a first device, and a second device. The first device has a first negotiation unit coupled to the first subscriber line. The second device has a second negotiation unit coupled to the second subscriber line. The first negotiation unit is adapted to send a first negotiation signal on the first subscriber line. The first negotiation signal induces through cross-talk a second negotiation signal on the second subscriber line. The second negotiation unit is adapted to modify an operating parameter of the second device based on the second negotiation signal. A method for negotiating operating parameters in a communications system is provided. A first negotiation signal is transmitted from a first device coupled to a first subscriber line. The first negotiation signal is received in a second device coupled to a second subscriber line independent of the first subscriber line.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring latency in voice communications is presented. In an exemplary embodiment, latency is measured by establishing a call between a first and a second telephony device, and measuring a latency between a signal originating at the first telephony device and the signal as it arrives at the second telephony device.

Abstract: A system for testing a communication path for digital subscriber line (DSL) signals includes a loop management device coupled in the communication path between a DSL access multiplexer (DSLAM) and a DSL modem located at a customer premises. The system also includes a remote test interface coupled in the communication path between the loop management device and the DSL modem. The loop management device and the remote test interface communicate using voice-band signals transmitted over the communication path and collaboratively test the communication path.