Abstract: This invention is generally directed to minimizing the disruption of subscriber selectable features during the transfer of subscriber lines from a first line unit equipment to a second line unit equipment associated with a telecommunications switch. A second data assignment table which is based on a first data assignment table is utilized in conjunction with a digital telecommunications switch to facilitate an improved service transition when subscriber lines are to be transferred from a first type of line unit equipment to a second type of line unit equipment. The data assignment tables contain for each telephone number an identification of a line unit address utilized to support that telephone number and corresponding parameters which identify which customer selectable features are active.

Abstract: This invention relates to arrangements for simplifying the transfer of a source of telecommunications signals, such as a telecommunications customer line or telecommunications trunk, from a first port of a switching system to a second port of that same switching system. Such a transfer requires a transfer of a connection in the outside plant, usually in a manhole, and establishment of a connection from the outside plant to the second port, usually in a distributing frame of the switching system. Translation data is stored for the second port to indicate availability of the second port for assignment to a customer, and, in one embodiment of the invention, to identify the customer to be connected to that second port. In accordance with that embodiment of the invention, the customer line to the first port is tested in the manhole to verify the identity of that customer; the line to the second port is tested to see if the translation data for that second port comprises the same customer identification.

Abstract: A packet network test arrangement where a test packet is transmitted from a test source to a test destination via successive nodes of the packet network. Any node that fails to receive acknowledgement within a predetermined time of transmitting the test packet to a subsequent node responds by transmitting information to the test source concerning the failure and particularly defining the involved nodes. Accordingly, a single test can be used advantageously both to detect faults and to localize such faults between two network nodes. The test arrangement also provides for the loop-around of test packets received at the test destination thus enabling the test source to verify successful packet communications.

Abstract: A test arrangement and method for use prior to the replacement of a first switching system serving a plurality of subscriber lines via a digital carrier facility and via a remote terminal, by a second switching system, where facility interface equipment of the second system is bridged directly onto the digital facility to allow monitoring of digital signatures transmitted from the remote terminal during the continued, uninterrupted operation of the first system. A pair gain test controller of the first system is advantageously used by the second system to control the generation of such digital signatures to verify the consistency of the translation databases of the two systems in associating directory numbers with subscriber lines.