Abstract: Selecting a profile for an interface of a network device includes accessing profile sequences, where each profile sequence corresponds to an interface. Each profile sequence includes profiles that provide parameters for communicating data. The following are repeated for a profile sequence for an interface until a link satisfies a sequence criterion or until a last profile of the profile sequence is reached to select a profile for the interface. A current profile is accessed, and a link for the interface is initiated according to the current profile. Whether the link for the interface satisfies the sequence criterion is determined. A next profile of the profile sequence is accessed if the link does not satisfy the sequence criterion, and the current profile is selected if the link satisfies the sequence criterion. Data is communicated according to the selected profile.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a system for communicating data includes a data switch coupled to one or more CPE devices. The data switch may communicate with one or more CPE devices using a first predetermined PSD and using a second predetermined PSD. The operability of the switch is provided by software embodied in a computer-readable medium. In a more particular embodiment, the data switch may also communicate substantially simultaneously with two or more CPE devices using at least two different PSDs.

Abstract: Selecting a profile for an interface of a network device includes accessing profile sequences, where each profile sequence corresponds to an interface. Each profile sequence includes profiles that provide parameters for communicating data. The following are repeated for a profile sequence for an interface until a link satisfies a sequence criterion or until a last profile of the profile sequence is reached to select a profile for the interface. A current profile is accessed, and a link for the interface is initiated according to the current profile. Whether the link for the interface satisfies the sequence criterion in accordance with the margin set is determined. A next profile of the profile sequence is accessed if the link does not satisfy the sequence criterion in accordance with the margin set, and the current profile is selected if the link satisfies the sequence criterion. Data is communicated according to the selected profile.

Abstract: Selecting a profile for an interface of a network device includes accessing profile sequences, where each profile sequence corresponds to an interface. Each profile sequence includes profiles that provide parameters for communicating data. The following are repeated for a profile sequence for an interface until a link satisfies a sequence criterion or until a last profile of the profile sequence is reached to select a profile for the interface. A current profile is accessed, and a link for the interface is initiated according to the current profile. Whether the link for the interface satisfies the sequence criterion is determined. A next profile of the profile sequence is accessed if the link does not satisfy the sequence criterion, and the current profile is selected if the link satisfies the sequence criterion. Data is communicated according to the selected profile.

Abstract: A data communication system is provided that comprises a head-end switching system which comprises a plurality of communication ports. A port controller causes the ports to sequentially issue inquiry signals to network termination points. This sequential processing of inquiry signals prevents the formation of phantom links that may occur if physical conductors which are susceptible to crosstalk interference with connected conductors erroneously convey a response signal back to an unattached port within the head-in switching system.

Abstract: A data communication system is provided that comprises a head-end switching system which comprises a plurality of communication ports. A port controller causes the ports to sequentially issue inquiry signals to network termination points. This sequential processing of inquiry signals prevents the formation of phantom links that may occur if physical conductors which are susceptible to crosstalk interference with connected conductors erroneously convey a response signal back to an unattached port within the head-in switching system.