Abstract: An access network adapted to be coupled to a local exchange over a high-speed link is provided. The access network has a digital line carrier having a port adapted to be coupled to the high-speed link and a plurality of line cards. Each line card has at least one port adapted to be coupled to a transceiver. The digital line carrier selectively connects a transceiver associated with a port of one of the plurality of line cards of the digital line carrier with a transceiver associated with a port of another line card of the digital line carrier based on a signal sent to and returned by the local exchange.

Abstract: Identifying virtual connection to telephony port relations in a telecommunication system. In one embodiment, a database is compiled of associations of virtual customer identity (VCID) information from ATM cells to telephony ports in an access system. The database is compiled by sending calling line identification presentation (CLIP) information across an ATM network along with the VCID to a virtual identification line (VIL) port in the access system. Reading the CLIP information associated with the VCID and storing VCID to telephony port relations in the database based on the CLIP information.

Abstract: A multi-user simulation system is provided. The multi-user simulation system utilizes a processing unit with multiple ports, the processing system being coupled via communications lines to a central unit. The processing system is adapted to execute test software and communicate to the central unit via the multiple ports to emulate multiple users of a communications network, thus simulating real-world loading conditions of the communication network. A method for testing the central unit is also disclosed.

Abstract: An access network adapted to be coupled to a local exchange over a high-speed link is provided. The access network has a digital line carrier having a port adapted to be coupled to the high-speed link and a plurality of line cards. Each line card has at least one port adapted to be coupled to a transceiver. The digital line carrier selectively connects a transceiver associated with a port of one of the plurality of line cards of the digital line carrier with a transceiver associated with a port of another line card of the digital line carrier based on a signal sent to and returned by the local exchange.