Abstract: Flaws in information security infest modern software, and pervasive computing has made network systems vulnerable. Information security is constantly endangered by errors in protocol implementations. Testing a protocol implementation for errors directly from a network where a device implementing the protocol resides limits the coverage of protocols tested. In contrast, testing protocols from an access network that internetworks a customer premises with one or more service networks greatly expands the coverage of protocols tested. Accordingly, a method and corresponding apparatus are provided to test from the access network, testing both service network devices and customer premises devices, and the protocols implemented on those devices.

Abstract: In traditional networks, a user provides an authorization to establish a connection for services with an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) and an Optical Line Terminal (OLT). The ONT becomes vulnerable to unauthorized users because the ONT restricts access at an Internet Protocol level. An embodiment of the present invention includes a system that restricts user access to services by causing a ranging fault to disable an ONT from communicating upstream with the OLT in an event the user fails to provide a valid ONT level user authorization. In an event the ONT is in a ranged state and the user fails to provide a valid service level authorization, the system causes a service level fault to restrict the ONT from granting user access to the user to services. Thus, unauthorized users are prevented access to the ONT and increased security is achieved.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention help extend service provider visibility to all premises equipment (CPE) devices that are ranged with an Optical Line Terminal (OLT) by associating an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) within each device (CPE-ONT), such as a personal computer (PC), set-top box (STB), broadband home router (BHR), or analog telephone adapter (ATA). Therefore, each CPE device is managed independently via the CPE-ONT integrated with it. This allows each CPE device to terminate only optical signals supporting communications supported by the CPE device. Further, each CPE device has access to the entire GPON bandwidth, thereby increasing performance and eliminating bottlenecks caused by electrical communications over 10/100/1000 BaseT interfaces.

Abstract: A problem of collecting data unnecessarily in an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) network is, in part, caused by a centralized approach to data collection, whereby data is collected for logical channels, even if not currently streaming to an end node. A method or corresponding apparatus of fault detection according to an example embodiment of the present invention provides for detecting and reporting faults specific to a logical IPTV channel in an IPTV network for logical channels actively streaming to an end user device, such as in response to a “join” request. One or more nodes supporting a logical IPTV channel provide fault indicators, which may be reported to another node or end user. Node(s) in the IPTV network may aggregate and process multiple fault indicators from across a network, thereby enabling diagnosis of specific errors in the IPTV network. Through the use of the method or apparatus, network resources are conserved.

Abstract: An Optical Network Terminal (ONT) has a fixed number of voice ports. A system employing an example embodiment of the invention increases the number of voice ports without changing hardware in the ONT by employing an Analog Terminal Adaptor (ATA) expander and configuring the ATA expander through use of a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and other network resources already available in a network with which the ONT is associated. The ATA expander is configured to be compatible with the ONT and, thus the ONT can increase voice services without hardware changes to support growing demands by customers for access to voice services via increasing number of Customer Premises Equipment (CPE).

Abstract: An optical network terminal (ONT) includes an input device coupled to at least one sensing device mounted in a structure, and an output coupled to a passive optical network (PON). The ONT also includes a processor programmed to receive security information from the input device, determine if an alarm condition exists using the security information, and transmit an alarm to the output based on the determination. The processor is programmed to detect an open circuit between the sensing device and the ONT, and to generate an alarm if an open circuit is detected. The processor is also programmed to receive information from a keypad located remotely from the ONT. The keypad is utilized to program the ONT from the remote location.

Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer programs for measuring power levels of media signals in a communications network such as, for example, an FTTx network, using an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) and a Set Top Box (STB). A method for detecting a signal power level of a channel in a communication network includes (1) selecting a channel to be measured, and a corresponding node and user terminal communicatively coupled thereto, on the network, (2) detecting a signal power level of the selected channel at the corresponding node, (3) detecting a signal power level of the selected channel at the corresponding user terminal, (4) performing a comparison involving the detected signal power levels, and (5) providing a notification of a result of performing the comparison if the result exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, method, and computer program are provided for adjusting venting of an enclosure. According to an example aspect of the invention the method adjusts venting in an enclosure enclosing heat generating equipment. The enclosure has at least one ventilation surface having at least one aperture formed therein. The method includes attaching at least one part of at least one cover to the enclosure, and positioning the cover in a selected orientation facing the ventilation surface of the enclosure. The cover may be placed substantially flush with the ventilation surface or may be positioned so that it forms an acute angle relative to the ventilation surface. In addition, the method may also include detecting at least one predetermined condition and varying the orientation of the cover with respect to the ventilation surface in response to detecting the condition.

Abstract: A network element, a system to deliver voice communications, and methods for delivering voice services from an optical network to a telephone at a location within a premises. The system may include a network element and a telephone system having a connector. The telephone system may be positioned proximate to the network element so that the connector contacts an analog interface of the network element.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program for simulating a communication link, such as an uplink, to one or more external networks in a communication network is provided. A test optical network terminal is connected to the network, and an uplink is simulated through the test optical network terminal, providing access to one or more external networks to one or more network elements in the communication network. Traffic is looped through an optical line terminal using optical carrier cards, and virtual cross connects are provisioned in the communication network to create a communication path between the optical network terminal and the test optical network terminal. A method of troubleshooting a network element such as an optical network terminal is also provided.

Abstract: Separating Passive Optical Network (PON) functions in different mechanical devices, such as optical to electrical conversion of the PON protocol, allows installation of an optical termination device at an exterior of an installation premises and installation of a user interface device performing PON functions inside the installation premises. Various embodiments allow service providers first to install an optical device outside the premises and, later, to install an electrical device, optionally by a customer. This eliminates a service provider from entering the installation premises and enables the customer to complete installation in the interior of the installation premises. Further, more robust, hardened components may be used in the more-permanently installed exterior device, while less-expensive, lower-quality components may be used in the easily-replaceable indoor device, thus reducing cost.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, computer program, and system for validating network element interfaces for functional testing. The method is comprised of coupling together at least two main interfaces of a plurality of main interfaces of at least one network element and providing a signal to one of the main interfaces via at least one communication path such that the signal propagates through that main interface to at least one other of the main interfaces coupled thereto, and back to the at least one communication path. By virtue of the method, apparatus, system, and computer program for validating network element interfaces for functional testing, the amount of time necessary to validate network element interfaces during functional testing can be reduced.

Abstract: Internet Protocol (IP) private branch exchange (IP-PBX) functionality may be provided on existing optical network terminal (ONT) hardware without support of an IP-PBX device by using a method of managing an IP-PBX that includes identifying IP configuration data on downstream network communications associated with at least one private IP branch exchange service received from an upstream node on a session initiation protocol (SIP) network and applying the configuration data to a node in an access network that supports the IP-PBX service. In this way, centralized configuration of IP-PBX services are supported, simplifying network management for service providers.

Abstract: A network terminal includes a bridge to interface the network terminal to a data channel linked to a central office, a first interface of a first type, and a second interface of a second type that is different from the first type of interface. A processor controls the network terminal to route data packets received via the first interface to the data channel via the bridge, when the network terminal is set to operate in a normal mode, and to route data packets received via the first interface to the second interface, when the network terminal is set to operate in a test mode. In an example embodiment, the first interface is an Ethernet interface and the second interface is a MoCA interface.

Abstract: A multi-access network terminal includes first and second communication interfaces. The first interface is configured to communicate with a first service provider providing services to a user through the first interface with a first type of signal and/or a first type of communications protocol. The second interface is configured to communicate with the first service provider providing services to the user through the second communication interface using a second type of signal and/or a second type of communications protocol. Alternatively, the second interface is configured to communicate with a second service provider providing services to the user through the second communication interface using the first or second type of signal and/or the first or second different type of communications protocol.

Abstract: Common techniques for processing cellular service uses a signal cellular tower, but these techniques are limited to the capacity of the single cellular tower. In contrast, a system employing an example embodiment of the invention increases ability to process cellular service by using an access point access network using resident wireless devices, referred to as a femtocell. A system supports communications of a resident and roaming device while employing the access point access network, based on database information, to support soft handoff between adjacent femtocells or from femtocell to cell tower and vice-versa. As a result, the system enables the resident and roaming devices to have seamless transitions between the cellular access network and the access point access network. Thus, the access point access network supplements cellular access networks and can provide cellular service regardless of the capacity of the cellular tower.

Abstract: Common techniques for processing software updates have Optical Network Terminal (ONT) and Broadband Home Router (BHR) managers to manage the ONTs and BHRs respectively from separate remote locations in a network. In contrast, a system employing ‘an example’ embodiment of the invention may receive network traffic for an ONT and BHR (“components”) via a single management channel. The system parses signals (e.g., software updates) and processes the management signals with a processor in a first component (e.g., ONT). The system converts a remaining software update to a format compatible with a management channel between the components to forward to the second component (e.g., BHR) for processing. In this way, the system may update multiple components using a single management channel. Thus, software updates or other management procedures can be performed using a single management channel with improved efficiency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provide for managing operations associated with a backup power source at a network terminal. A network terminal includes a battery port that, when enabled, is configured to monitor status of a battery coupled to the battery port and provide a status indicator for the battery. The network terminal also includes an interface with selectable states. A control circuit detects the state of the interface and presence of a battery at the battery port. In response to the interface being in a given state in an absence of a battery coupled to the battery port, the control circuit causes the battery port to enter or remain in a disabled state. The battery port substantially maintains the disabled state over reset, loss of power and reconfiguration of the network terminal. If the battery port detects the presence of a battery, it responds by entering an enabled state to monitor the status of the battery and provide battery status indicators.

Abstract: A method of detecting a problem in a communication network that supports at least one communication service communication service is provided. The method includes disconnecting a suspect component from the network, and replacing the suspect component with a diagnostic component configured to have the same network identification information as the suspect component. The method also includes determining if the problem still exists, and identifying the suspect component as defective if the problem no longer exists. In addition, the method includes identifying the problem as being caused by another part of the network besides the suspect component, if the problem still exists. An apparatus, system, and computer program are also provided for carrying out the method.