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: A voice-controlled message exchange apparatus and method for receiving spoken messages, from a plurality of subscribers in a public switched telephone network via the telephone network. The voice controlled message exchange is used for storing the received messages, together with an identification of the subscriber, who has transmitted the message, transmitting these messages to one or more subscribers or groups of subscribers in the public switched telephone network, and accepting and storing replies from subscribers, to whom the messages were transmitted, whereby the subscribers not only give voice-controlled messages and replies, but can also draw up and administrate lists with identifications of subscribers and groups of subscribers by voice control.