Abstract: A management device (100) for use in an access network (10, 19, 20, 30, 40, 100) including a plurality of data connections (18, 19, 20) between end user devices (10) and an aggregation transceiver device (20) where the connections (18, 19, 20) are aggregated for onward connection through the access network (20, 30, 40), the access network storing in association with each data connection a Dynamic Line Management, DLM, profile which specifies a set of values for a plurality of parameters associated with the respective data connection. The device includes initial profile selection means for, when a line is to be caused to operate in a rate adaptive mode, selecting an initial profile for the line from among the plurality of stored different profiles in dependence upon one or more measurements, or a parameter or parameters derived from one or more measurements, made in respect of the connection while operating in another mode.

Abstract: A management device (100) for use in an access network (10, 19, 20, 30, 40, 100) including a plurality of data connections (18, 19, 20) between end user devices (10) and an aggregation transceiver device (20) where the connections (18, 19, 20) are aggregated for onward connection through the access network (20, 30,40), the access network storing in association with each data connection a Dynamic Line Management, DLM, profile which specifies a set of values for a plurality of parameters associated with the respective data connection, together with a stability level specifying a desired level of stability for the data connection.

Abstract: A telecommunications access network includes a plurality of telecommunications lines (1), a plurality of aggregation devices (51-54), a plurality of data collector modules (71-73) and a line provisioning and de-provisioning system (90), wherein each line is connected between customer premises equipment (11-13,21-23,31-33,41-43) and a line aggregation device (51-54). The access network is operable to provide data connections through at least a first sub-set of the lines (1) to a core network whereby network services may be provided over the network to the customer premises equipment. The access network further includes a management module (80) for managing at least a second sub-set of the lines (1) within the access network, the management module (80) being operable to receive aggregated data from a plurality of data collector modules, each data collector module (71-73) being operable to receive data from a plurality of the line aggregation devices.

Abstract: In a method and system for operating an ADSL access network which has a plurality of data connections (19) between the access network and end user devices (10), and in which the access network controls the rate at which data is transferred between the user devices and an onward connection (50), the access network stores a plurality of capped profiles each of which specifies a respective upper data rate to which the connection is limited and which is below the maximum achievable rate for the connection.

Abstract: A management device is used in an access network including a plurality of data connections between end user devices and an aggregation transceiver device where the connections are aggregated for onward connection through the access network. The access network stores a plurality of different profiles, each of which specifies a set of values for a plurality of parameters associated with each data connection. The device applies one of the stored profiles to each connection, and receives a notification in the event of one of a predetermined set of notifiable events occurring on the connection. It is determined if more than a predetermined number of notifications are received within a predetermined period for a respective connection and, in the event of such a determination being made, a different one of the profiles is caused to be applied to the connection.

Abstract: A Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer (DSLAM) is modified to monitor when a line synchronizes (i.e. sets up a DSL connection) and to automatically generate a notification to be sent to a management device of the access network if the rate has changed from the last time the line synchronized.

Abstract: A telecommunications access network includes a plurality of telecommunications lines (1), a plurality of aggregation devices (51-54), a plurality of data collector modules (71-73) and a line provisioning and de-provisioning system (90), wherein each line is connected between customer premises equipment (11-13,21-23,31-33,41-43) and a line aggregation device (51-54). The access network is operable to provide data connections through at least a first sub-set of the lines (1) to a core network whereby network services may be provided over the network to the customer premises equipment. The access network further includes a management module (80) for managing at least a second sub-set of the lines (1) within the access network, the management module (80) being operable to receive aggregated data from a plurality of data collector modules, each data collector module (71-73) being operable to receive data from a plurality of the line aggregation devices.

Abstract: Providing an interface device interfacing between an access network and a back-bone network comprises: providing a management device, receiving data readings from a transceiver device indicative of the current or recent line rate of a DSL connection of the access network, and providing the interface device to restrict data flowing to the DSL connection to a new maximum rate selected in accordance with the received data readings from the transceiver device indicative of the current or recent line rate of the DSL connection. When the new maximum rate is greater than the existing maximum rate for the DSL connection at which the interface device is currently provided, the interface device is provisioned (or re-provisioned) only after a delay period. The delay period depends upon the increase amount of in the new maximum rate compared to the existing maximum rate so that the greater the increase, the shorter the delay period.

Abstract: A management device for automatically provisioning a Broadband Remote Access Server (BRAS) for use in connecting Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) to an Internet Protocol (IP) network via a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) a Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexor (DSLAM) and the BRAS, the management device comprising: a first interface for receiving from time to time data readings from the DSLAM indicative of the current or recent line rate of the DSL; a processor unit for calculating from the received data readings a consistent rate indicative of a consistent line rate of the DSL based on a plurality of data readings for the DSL from the DSLAM; and a second interface for transmitting provisioning messages to the BRAS for provisioning the BRAS to restrict data flowing to the DSL to a maximum rate selected by the management device in accordance with the calculated consistent rate.

Abstract: In a method and system for operating an ADSL access network which has a plurality of data connections (19) between the access network and end user devices (10), and in which the access network controls the rate at which data is transferred between the user devices and an onward connection (50), the access network stores a plurality of capped profiles each of which specifies a respective upper data rate to which the connection is limited and which is below the maximum achievable rate for the connection.

Abstract: A management device (100) for use in an access network (10, 19, 20, 30, 40, 100) including a plurality of data connections (18, 19, 20) between end user devices (10) and an aggregation transceiver device (20) where the connections (18, 19, 20) are aggregated for onward connection through the access network (20, 30,40), the access network storing in association with each data connection a Dynamic Line Management, DLM, profile which specifies a set of values for a plurality of parameters associated with the respective data connection. The device includes initial profile selection means for, when a line is to be caused to operate in a rate adaptive mode, selecting an initial profile for the line from among the plurality of stored different profiles in dependence upon one or more measurements, or a parameter or parameters derived from one or more measurements, made in respect of the connection whilst operating in another mode.

Abstract: A method of provisioning an interface device (40), the interface device 40 interfacing between an access network (19, 20 30) and a back-bone network (50), the access network including a Digital Subscriber Line, DSL, connection (16, 18, 19, 20) to an end user (terminal 14) and a transceiver device (20) including a DSL transceiver for modulating and demodulating signals sent to and from the end user terminal (14) over the DSL connection, the arrangement of the network apparatus being such that data from a device (62) connected to the back-bone network (50) which is destined for the end user terminal (14) passes through the interface device (40) and then through the access network (30) and wherein the interface device (40) is operable to constrain the rate of flow of data from the backbone network (50) through the interface device (40) towards the end user terminal (14) to a predetermined maximum rate specified for the end user terminal (14).

Abstract: A management device (100) for use in an access network (10, 19, 20, 30, 40, 100) including a plurality of data connections (18, 19, 20) between end user devices (10) and an aggregation transceiver device (20) where the connections (18, 19, 20) are aggregated for onward connection through the access network (20, 30,40) the access network storing a plurality of different profiles each of which specifies a set of values for a plurality of parameters associated with each data connection, the device (100) comprising: means for applying one of said stored profiles to each connection, means for receiving a notification in the event of one of a predetermined set of notifiable events occurring on the connection; and means for determining if more than a predetermined number of notifications are received within a predetermined period for a respective connection and, in the event of such a determination being made, causing a different one of said profiles to be applied to the connection.

Abstract: A Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer (DSLAM) is modified to monitor when a line synchronizes (i.e. sets up a DSL connection) and to automatically generate a notification to be sent to a management device of the access network if the rate has changed from the last time the line synchronized.

Abstract: A management device for automatically provisioning a Broadband Remote Access Server (BRAS) for use in connecting Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) to an Internet Protocol (IP) network via a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) a Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexor (DSLAM) and the BRAS, the management device comprising: a first interface for receiving from time to time data readings from the DSLAM indicative of the current or recent line rate of the DSL; a processor unit for calculating from the received data readings a consistent rate indicative of a consistent line rate of the DSL based on a plurality of data readings for the DSL from the DSLAM; and a second interface for transmitting provisioning messages to the BRAS for provisioning the BRAS to restrict data flowing to the DSL to a maximum rate selected by the management device in accordance with the calculated consistent rate.

Abstract: A method of reducing the purge gas consumption, dry-down time, or both required for start-up and operation of a gas phase fluidized bed reactor system. The method involves contacting a stream of cycle gas having water and/or a polar hydrocarbon with an adsorbing material while the cycle gas is in a closed circulation loop.