Abstract: A network element is provided comprising at least one switch, which is configurable to connect a subscriber line to a first service line or to a second service line, wherein the connection of the subscriber line to the first service line or to the second service line is configured via a signal conveyed across the second service line. Also, a system is suggested comprising two or more switches, wherein each switch is configurable to connect a subscriber line to a first service line or to a second service line, a control circuitry for controlling the two or more switches, an MSAN comprising two or more second service lines, wherein a dedicated service line of an MSAN is used for controlling the control circuitry. Further, methods for operating the network element or the system are suggested.

Abstract: A method, system, computer program product, and a device for testing are provided. In some implementations, a method includes the steps of (i) conducting a line test on a line of a line card that is not connected to a subscriber line; (ii) comparing the result of the test with a predetermined result; and (iii) determining a defect of the test hardware if the result deviates from the predetermined result. Furthermore, a device and a communication system comprising said device are suggested.

Abstract: A method, system, computer program product, and a device for testing are provided. In some implementations, a method includes the steps of (i) conducting a line test on a line of a line card that is not connected to a subscriber line; (ii) comparing the result of the test with a predetermined result; and (iii) determining a defect of the test hardware if the result deviates from the predetermined result. Furthermore, a device and a communication system comprising said device are suggested.

Abstract: A network element is provided comprising at least one switch, which is configurable to connect a subscriber line to a first service line or to a second service line, wherein the connection of the subscriber line to the first service line or to the second service line is configured via a signal conveyed across the second service line. Also, a system is suggested comprising two or more switches, wherein each switch is configurable to connect a subscriber line to a first service line or to a second service line, a control circuitry for controlling the two or more switches, an MSAN comprising two or more second service lines, wherein a dedicated service line of an MSAN is used for controlling the control circuitry. Further, methods for operating the network element or the system are suggested.