Abstract: An application and method for analyzing a virtual circuit in an asynchronous transfer mode (“ATM”) network is disclosed. The ATM network may include multiple switches and connects two telecommunications networks through two interface devices, one for each telecommunications network. A virtual circuit is created in the ATM network between the two telecommunications networks, connecting to the first telecommunications network through a port of the first interface device and the second telecommunications network through a port of the second interface device. The method transfers a data value from the port of the first interface device to the port of the second interface device before or during a call. The data value identifies the two ports. In this way, the data value can later be examined to determine if it still identifies the two ports. By so doing, the examining interface device can determine a status of the virtual circuit.

Abstract: A system and method for remotely monitoring and controlling signals to or from a component in a central office switching system having many components, such as line cards. The component reports status signals to a processing facility, which receives the status signals and broadcasts them to a device located in the central office. The device, upon receiving the broadcasted signals, displays the status signals so that a user can thereby monitor the component.

Abstract: A system and method for locating a specific component of a facility by using differential signaling. The system works in a facility such as a central office having many components, such as line cards. The central office includes several wireless transmitters for transmitting signals inside the office. Attached to each line card is a positioning device, which has a receiver for receiving the transmitted signals, a controller for converting the transmitted signals into location information, and a sender for transmitting the location information. The central office also includes a computer with a device for receiving the transmitted location information. As a result, the computer can provide to a user the location of the component inside the facility.