Abstract: Circuit faults between different circuits in a telecommunications network are located. In this invention a test signal is generated on a particular circuit and all adjacent circuits are tested for the presence of the test signal. Using information from a routing database the likely location of a circuit-to-circuit fault may be determined.

Abstract: A fault management system for an access network forms part of a public telecommunications network. In the access network, terminating lines in the form of pairs of copper wires extend from a local switch through a series of nodes to terminal equipment provided for user of the network. The fault management system includes a test head and an access network management system. Each night, the test head performs a series of test on each of the terminating lines. The results of the test are transmitted to the access network management. The test results are then converted into circuit scores, each of which is indicative of the operational quality of the tested circuit. For each node, the circuit scores of the tested circuits passing through the node are combined to produce a node score which is indicative of the operational quality of the node. In order to identify the node having the worst operational quality and therefore most in need of investigation, the nodes are ranked in accordance with their node scores.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for testing a telecommunications network between timed intervals to detect a fault in order to determine an approximate location of a fault. The method comprises measuring a change in capacitance of a line in the network and then determining from a known ratio of capacitance to length of line, a length of line that corresponds to that change. This length will give an approximate location of a fault from a subscriber's equipment located at premises remote from the measuring apparatus.