Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention an apparatus suitable for testing a connection defined between a customer entity and a network entity, the connection traversing at least a first portion of a packet-enabled network between said apparatus and the network entity is provided. The apparatus comprises a first interface adapted to exchange with the network entity data associated with the connection over a first traffic VLAN and a second interface adapted to exchange with the customer entity data associated with the connection over a second traffic VLAN bridged to the first traffic VLAN by a bridging entity. The apparatus further comprises a third interface adapted to exchange with a management entity data associated with a management connection over a management VLAN.

Abstract: A computer-readable medium is provided, comprising a set of instructions for execution by a processor of a computing device at a subscriber premises. The processor is operable to execute a software application that enables the computing device to participate in a media connection over a data network. Execution of the set of instructions by the processor causes the computing device to execute a method that includes performing a connectivity test over a test connection established through a gateway at the subscriber premises and over the data network; and prior to performing a connectivity test, provisioning the gateway to enable establishment of said test connection.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention an apparatus suitable for testing a connection defined between a customer entity and a network entity, the connection traversing at least a first portion of a packet-enabled network between said apparatus and the network entity is provided. The apparatus comprises a first interface adapted to exchange with the network entity data associated with the connection over a first traffic VLAN and a second interface adapted to exchange with the customer entity data associated with the connection over a second traffic VLAN bridged to the first traffic VLAN by a bridging entity. The apparatus further comprises a third interface adapted to exchange with a management entity data associated with a management connection over a management VLAN.