Abstract: A system, apparatus, and procedure connects customer premises equipment with a service provider network and includes a first local area network, a second local area network, and a management interface device. The first local area network connects the customer premises equipment to the service provider network and is configured to transmit primary service signals to and receive primary service signals from the customer premises equipment. The second local area network connects the customer premises equipment to the service provider network via the management interface device and is configured to transmit diagnostic and/or management signals from the service provider network to the customer premises equipment through the management interface device and/or to receive diagnostic and/or management signals from the customer premises equipment and transmit those signals to the service provider network through the management interface device.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, system, and computer-readable program, for for capturing communicated information across a network that includes a plurality of nodes. The method includes providing criteria for capturing, in at least a first one of the nodes, information included in at least one communication passing through the at least one first node, capturing, from the at least one communication passing through the at least one first node, information meeting the criteria, and providing the information captured in the capturing to at least a second one of the nodes of the network. According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one first node includes an Optical Network Terminal (ONT), the at least one second node includes an Element Management System (EMS), and the information includes Ethernet frames. The method further comprises presenting the information to an operator at the EMS, in a decomposed, interpretable format.

Abstract: A method to alert users to network service conditions. The method includes detecting a network service condition, detecting an attempt to access at least one communication service of the network, and issuing an alert. A network for practicing the method includes at least one communication terminal and a network element that detects a network service condition, detects an attempt to access a communication service, and issues an alert of the network service condition. A network element operating in the network includes a communications interface, a processor, and a storage device for storing program instructions. The program instructions instruct the network element to detect an attempt to access a communication service and issue an alert of a network service condition. A computer program for controlling the network element includes code to detect an attempt to access a communication service and issue an alert.

Abstract: A method for initiating diagnostic operations for a communication network, and devices, a network, and computer-readable storage medium storing control logic, that operate in accordance with the method. A test set device is communicatively coupled to a test head. The test set device provides access information to the test head, the access information comprising a diagnostic code indicating a diagnostic operation to be performed. The test head is communicatively coupled to a network. The test head provides the diagnostic code to the network device and sends a response from the network device to the test set device, the response indicating a result of performing the diagnostic operation. In this manner, a field technician can initiate diagnostics without the intervention of another technician, thereby reducing manpower required to troubleshoot a problem and improve troubleshooting turnaround.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the invention provide a system for monitoring a battery backup unit (BBU) deployed in a network. The BBU typically communicates in a unidirectional manner with an external device, such as an Optical Network Terminal (ONT), is able to communicate in a bidirectional manner. The useful improvements of communicating in a bidirectional manner include installation integrity, real-time troubleshooting, and software upgrades. Moreover, the BBU is able to monitor an output power or status information of a primary power source, such as an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) Power Supply Unit (OPSU). Specifically, example embodiments allow the BBU to be enabled in an event of a loss of primary power to the ONT. The BBU may communicate in a bidirectional manner between the BBU and the device external from the BBU to receive status request signals and provide information responsive thereto about the BBU, including information about the battery.

Abstract: Component malfunctions in passive optical networks (PON) can increase bit error rates and decrease signal-to-noise ratio in communications signals. These faults may cause the receivers of the signals, either the optical line terminal (OLT) or optical network terminals (ONTs), to experience intermittent faults and/or may result in misinterpreted commands that disrupt other ONT's communication, resulting in a rogue ONT condition. Existing PON protocol detection methods may not detect these types of malfunctions. An embodiment of the present invention identifies faults in a PON by transmitting a test series of data patterns via an optical communications path from a first network node to a second network node. The test series is compared to an expected series of data patterns. An error rate may be calculated as a function of the differences between the test series and expected series. The error rate may be reported to identify faults in the PON.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for verifying a service provided to at least one subscriber terminal in a communication network. The method includes connecting a communication device to the network, logging into a test unit communicatively coupled to the network using the communication device, entering into the communication device an access code corresponding to a test for verifying a service, and conducting the test for verifying the service, corresponding to the access code.

Abstract: Common techniques for restoring service to an optical network after a service interruption, while quick, do not to assist a service provider or a vendor in determining a true root-cause of the interruption. Oftentimes, the true root-cause remains undetermined, resulting in costly and unnecessary fixes. In contrast, an example embodiment of the invention facilitates troubleshooting and determining the true root-cause of the service interruption by: i) collecting and storing state information about a PON element prior to analyzing a fault attributed to the PON element, and ii) diagnosing a cause of the fault from the state information.

Abstract: Managing optical network alarms and events reported by multiple network nodes is described. In some embodiments, alarms or events of the same, similar, or different types are monitored and consolidated into a consolidated alarm or event. The consolidated alarms or events may be forwarded to another network node. An alarm or event storm in an optical network or other type of network can be significantly reduced, resulting in less consumption of network resources and simplified operation for a service provider. Details of the alarm storm can be retrieved on an as-needed basis.

Abstract: The present invention that provides a network topology for an ATM network. The topology includes a source network element, at least one intermediate network element, and a distributed virtual path connecting the source network element and the intermediate network elements. The distributed virtual path includes a virtual circuit that originates from the source network element and a virtual circuit that originates from at least one of the intermediate network elements. The distributed virtual path originates from the source network element and may terminate on a destination network element or on the source network element (thereby forming a ring). The network elements may be, for example, computers, satellites or other communications devices.

Abstract: The present invention that provides a network topology for an ATM network. The topology includes a source network element, at least one intermediate network element, and a distributed virtual path connecting the source network element and the intermediate network elements. The distributed virtual path includes a virtual circuit that originates from the source network element and a virtual circuit that originates from at least one of the intermediate network elements. The distributed virtual path originates from the source network element and may terminate on a destination network element or on the source network element (thereby forming a ring). The network elements may be, for example, computers, satellites or other communications devices.