Abstract: The test access system of the present invention is for use in a digital loop carrier communication system having at least first and second terminals connected by a digital transmission line. Each of the first and second terminals has a plurality of analog ports for analog signals and at least one digital port connected to the digital transmission line for digital signals. Each of the first and second terminals also has a plurality of channel units having first ports connected to the analog ports, respectively, and at least one digital interface unit having a first port connected to the channel units and a second port connected to the digital port. The test access system has a channel diagnostic unit connected via a first bus to each of the analog ports and the first ports of the channel units and connected via a second bus to the first port of the digital interface unit.

Abstract: A channel redundancy system for use with a central office connected to a remote location. A central office terminal at the central office has a plurality of channel units including at least one spare channel unit. A remote terminal at the remote location also has a plurality of channel units including at least one spare channel unit. The channel units in the remote terminal are correspondingly associated with the channel units in the central office termimal. From a repair service bureau located remote from both the central office and the remote location in a defective channel unit can be identified and replaced by the spare channel unit.