Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing network management layer configuration management. In some embodiments, a system might determine one or more network devices in a network for implementing a service arising from a service request that originates from a client device over the network. The system might further determine network technology utilized by each of the one or more network devices, and might generate flow domain information (in some cases, in the form of a flow domain network (“FDN”) object), using flow domain analysis, based at least in part on the determined network devices and/or the determined network technology. The system might automatically configure at least one of the network devices to enable performance of the service (which might include, without limitation, service activation, service modification, fault isolation, and/or performance monitoring), based at least in part on the generated flow domain information.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques that enable remote network monitoring, and in particular cases, remote monitoring of traffic on a L2VPN. In a particular aspect, tools enable a vendor-independent remote monitoring capability by allowing a port on to be spanned (mirrored) to a virtual local area network attachment circuit at two different provider edge devices. Such embodiments can allow test equipment located at one provider edge device to perform monitoring at another provider edge device without regard to conflicting monitoring protocols, interfaces, and/or the like.

Abstract: A system for topology state tracking includes a client device requesting network topology information, and a topology engine coupled to one or more network device. The topology engine includes at least one processor, and non-transitory computer readable media having encoded thereon computer software having a set of instructions executable by the at least one processor to perform one or more operations. The set of instructions includes instructions to receive state information associated with at least one network service, generate network topology information based on the state information, determine changes in the network topology for the at least one network service, update the network topology information, provide access to the network topology information by the client device, receive a request for network topology information from the client device, and transmit the network topology information to the client device.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques might provide for implementing application, service, and/or content access control. Based at least in part on a consumer's choice of applications, services, content, and/or content providers—particular in exchange for a subsidy on content and/or network access fees provided to the consumer by chosen content providers—, a computing system may determine whether access to applications, services, and/or content not associated with the chosen content providers (“other content”) should be allowed or restricted. If restricted, the computing system might utilize various network access techniques and/or technologies to block the consumer's access to the other content, to allow access to the other content on a charge per access basis, or to allow access to the other content at reduced network access speeds. In some embodiments, an access provider (e.g., an Internet service provider, etc.) might perform both determination and implementation of content access and restriction.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing network management layer configuration management. In some embodiments, a system might determine one or more network devices in a network for implementing a service arising from a service request that originates from a client device over the network. The system might further determine network technology utilized by each of the one or more network devices, and might generate flow domain information (in some cases, in the form of a flow domain network (“FDN”) object), using flow domain analysis, based at least in part on the determined network devices and/or the determined network technology. The system might automatically configure at least one of the network devices to enable performance of the service (which might include, without limitation, service activation, service modification, fault isolation, and/or performance monitoring), based at least in part on the generated flow domain information.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques that enable remote network monitoring, and in particular cases, remote monitoring of traffic on a L2VPN. In a particular aspect, tools enable a vendor-independent remote monitoring capability by allowing a port on to be spanned (mirrored) to a virtual local area network attachment circuit at two different provider edge devices. Such embodiments can allow test equipment located at one provider edge device to perform monitoring at another provider edge device without regard to conflicting monitoring protocols, interfaces, and/or the like.

Abstract: A network management system and graphical user interface for configuring a network connection between first and second service access points utilizes a configuration manager and information manager to provide a generic set of models so that different manufacturer's nodal processors and other network hardware can be inserted into the network with minimal changes to the software which controls the device. The system comprises an information manager including routing information for the network. The configuration manager operates to establish a connection across each subnet on the route by sending requests to element managers to program the subnet elements.

Abstract: A network management system and graphical user interface for configuring a network connection between first and second service access points utilizes a configuration manager and information manager to provide a generic set of models so that different manufacturer's nodal processors and other network hardware can be inserted into the network with minimal changes to the software which controls the device. The system comprises an information manager including routing information for the network. The configuration manager operates to establish a connection across each subnet on the route by sending requests to element managers to program the subnet elements.

Abstract: A network management system and graphical user interface for configuring a network connection between first and second service access points utilizes a configuration manager and information manager to provide a generic set of models so that different manufacturer's nodal processors and other network hardware can be inserted into the network with minimal changes to the software which controls the device. The system comprises an information manager including routing information for the network. The configuration manager operates to establish a connection across each subnet on the route by sending requests to element managers to program the subnet elements.

Abstract: A network management system and graphical user interface for configuring a network connection between first and second service access points utilizes a configuration manager and information manager to provide a generic set of models so that different manufacturer's nodal processors and other network hardware can be inserted into the network with minimal changes to the software which controls the device. The system comprises an information manager including routing information for the network. The configuration manager operates to establish a connection across each subnet on the route by sending requests to element managers to program the subnet elements.

Abstract: A network management system and graphical user interface for configuring a network connection between first and second service access points utilizes a configuration manager and information manager to provide a generic set of models so that different manufacturer's nodal processors and other network hardware can be inserted into the network with minimal changes to the software which controls the device. The system comprises an information manager including routing information for the network. The configuration manager operates to establish a connection across each subnet on the route by sending requests to element managers to program the subnet elements.

Abstract: An automated method as system for verifying end-to-end connectivity in a broadcast network such as an xDSL network including a plurality of elements such as ATM switches coupled to a subscriber modem. The method and system includes determining each of the elements in the network and establishing a communication channel with a corresponding interface of each element to generate test commands and elicit responsive data. Service logic is applied to determine the location of a fault and display the same on a Graphical User Interface (GUI) in a suitable format such as a Visual Word Document (VWD).

Abstract: A method for qualifying a local loop for digital subscriber line service includes transmitting signals from a customer modem and receiving corresponding reflected signals. The loop qualification test is initiated at the customer side, with the test result for the loop qualification test being based on reflected signals that correspond to signals transmitted over the loop from the modem.

Abstract: An automated closed-looped test system and method for testing network devices such as CPE and system network managers is arranged as a modular, comprehensive test system which seamlessly integrates physical layer testing with higher layer services protocol testing. A set of tests are generated based on the device or manager being tested. A selection menu provided via a GUI such as a Web browser allows a user to select the desired test option to be run. Test results are output in real time via the GUI, and can be logged in a form suitable for documentation.

Abstract: A non-intrusive test method for monitoring the performance of an optical communications system generates a parallel electrical signal corresponding to a transmitted or received optical signal without the use of a signal attenuating beam splitter or other device having optical loss by deriving the parallel electrical signal from a modulated electrical signal associated with the generation or detection of the optical signal, or from stray light generated by the optical light source. An ATM module containing a plurality of transmit and receive cables connects selected parallel electrical signals corresponding to selected optical cables to a limited number of test jacks employing a multiplexer which may be computer controlled. The non-intrusive test method allows maximal optical cable range.

Abstract: A reverse number identification system is described which allows the called party in a telephone link to identify the telephone directory number of the calling party. This system includes a first system component located at the customer's premises which includes a display for the calling party's directory number. A second system component includes equipment connected to the calling party's telephone line located in the calling party's central office which transmits upon request the directory number of the calling party to the first system component. Each subscriber's telephone line in the central office has a microprocessor controlled transceiver placed between the incoming subscriber's telephone line and the central office switching equipment. Each subscriber's premises includes a first system component designed to receive and display the calling party's telephone number. In operation, the calling party dials the directory number of the called party and the called party responds by answering.