Abstract: A system and method are presented for demarcating an optical network. The system comprises an optical monitor that receives a portion of an outbound signal from an optical network and generates a switch control signal based on the intensity of the outbound signal. Generally, the switch control signal is active when the intensity of the outbound signal falls below a threshold value. Alternatively, the system comprises an override switch, and the switch control signal is active when the override signal is activated or the outbound signal falls below a threshold value. An optical switch receives the switch control signal, and selectively isolates the network generating the outbound signal from the rest of the network when the switch control signal is active.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for optimizing use of a modem jack. For a computer system that includes a modem, an apparatus may include a first branch including a first end that is arranged to connect to an Ethernet jack of the modem, a second branch including a second end that is arranged to connect to an Ethernet interface of the computer system, and a third branch including a third end that is arranged to connect to a USB interface of the computer system. The Ethernet jack of the modem will then receive both Ethernet and USB signals.

Abstract: An improved, more intelligent network interface unit capable of processing signals received from a high speed transmission media and outputting the received signals without substantial amplification or reduction. The network interface unit comprises a regenerator circuit which detects T1 signals from said high-speed transmission media and outputs a digital stream to a serial data processor for processing via a micro-controller. A wave shaper circuit receives the output from the serial data processor and, in conjunction with the micro-controller and a level detector circuit, regenerates signals having substantially the same wave shape and amplitude as the original T1 signals received from said transmission media.

Abstract: An improved, more intelligent network interface unit capable of processing signals received from a high speed transmission media and outputting the received signals without substantial amplification or reduction. The network interface unit comprises a regenerator circuit which detects T1 signals from said high-speed transmission media and outputs a digital stream to a serial data processor for processing via a micro-controller. A wave shaper circuit receives the output from the serial data processor and, in conjunction with the micro-controller and a level detector circuit, regenerates signals having substantially the same wave shape and amplitude as the original T1 signals received from said transmission media.

Abstract: A full duplex digital transmission, high-capacity digital, facility loop-back test, diagnostics and maintenance system having a digital transmission facility, transmission medium, and at least one microprocessor-based, full duplex facility loop-back diagnostics interface is located at predetermined end-user locations within the system. The system is capable of initiating a facility loop-back test and predetermined diagnostics for a predetermined digital transmission span and customer premises equipment at the location of the network interface for a specified end-user. The facility loop-back diagnostics interface has a performance monitoring mode of operation and a maintenance facility loop-back mode of operation. The diagnostics interface can be activated from a remote location and is compatible with and supports a particular protocol, specifically LAP-B protocol.