Abstract: An apparatus for the management and the remote and/or automatic control of electric characteristics and signal transmissivity of the metallic line pairs connected to a telephone exchange, including measurement means and means able to connect said measurement means to the single line pairs connected to the telephone exchange and to all of the lines of a distribution whether they are active or redundant.

Abstract: A method for measuring a quality of a line network using an in-service non-intrusive measurement device monitoring of live traffic measurement process includes determining reference values of parameters of the in-service non-intrusive measurement process for a connection over at least a part of the line network and storing the determined reference values in a memory so that the determined reference values are allocated to the part of the line network. The part of the line network is monitored using the in-service non-intrusive measurement process so as to generate measured values of the parameters of the in-service non-intrusive measurement process. The measured values are compared with the respective stored determined reference values so that correspondences with and divergences from the stored determined reference values are recognizable and capable of being evaluated with regard to a quality of transmission.

Abstract: A metal port block is used on an intermediate distributor or vertical terminal block in a connection architecture to obtain a metal contact of the combined voice and data signals, which can subsequently be monitored by a test rack, without needing to disconnect or reconnect any bridge or cable. The access to the intermediate distribution frame can be established by a connecting block with which a plurality of boards are associated. The boards are vertically arranged in an array and each incorporates its relays or associated electronics to extract and supply information to a test table. Each board has pins to couple with the cavities of the distribution frame.

Abstract: Allowing a tester of a telephonic device to issue call control commands to a call control server using an intuitive set of commands and using both data lines for data call control commands, and voice lines for touch tone or “DTMF” call control commands. The user may initiate a call control command by either entering the call control command in a command line of a program executed at a telephonic device, or by crafting a function call using an Application Program Interface (API) that allows for more intuitive function calls that are more descriptive of the call control command. During execution, the more descriptive user-entered command or function call is converted into a form that recognized by the call control server. The converted call control command is then transmitted to the call control server.

Abstract: An electrical system is described comprising none or one or two function boards and at least one voltage converter. The function board/s and the voltage converter are connected such that a voltage generated by the voltage converter is supplied to the function board/s. The electrical system comprises an electrical circuit for checking whether two function boards are present and whether these two function boards are identical, and for disabling the voltage converter under the condition that two non-identical function boards are present.

Abstract: A test unit for an aircraft cabin telephony system includes a pair of connectors for inserting the test unit in-line within the system; an AC voltage module that is operative to indicate the presence of an AC voltage when the test unit is connected to the Cabin Delivery System connector of the cabin telephony system; a signal module that is operative to detect the presence of data signals when the test unit is connected to the Cabin Delivery System connector; a DC power module that is operative to indicate the presence of DC voltage when the test unit is connected to a seat telephony box within the cabin telephony system; and an AC current module that is operative to detect an over-current condition when the test unit is connected to the Cabin Delivery System connector of the cabin telephony system.

Abstract: Lower bandwidth technology is used to determine whether a communication channel can support higher bandwidth technology. A signal generator generates a series of test signals that are associated with the higher bandwidth technology. The test signals are sampled to produce aliases that can be analyzed with lower bandwidth technology. Modem parameters are accessed from a modem's memory. The modem parameters are compared with a database containing information about whether a set of modem parameters indicates that a telephone local can support broadband devices.

Abstract: A system diagnostic mode is provided for a security central station receiver that monitors the operations of a large number of individual security systems over a large number of telephone lines. The system diagnostic mode provides the receiver with the capability to test itself for proper operation after it has been initially installed, or on a repeated basis thereafter, to ensure that the receiver at the security central station is fully operational. A plurality of line cards are designed to serve and interface with the large number of telephone lines. The auto test diagnostic mode tests the operation of the central station receiver, and is programmed to automatically dial into each of the plurality of line cards and to send to each line card a number of preformatted test signals using standard reporting formats that are generated by the auto test diagnostic mode. The auto test diagnostic mode is preferably provided on a test line card that generates the preformatted test signals.

Abstract: A method for analyzing automatic line insulation testing data comprising receiving an electronic version of ALIT test results and parsing the ALIT test results to extract error data. The error data is inserted into an ALIT database. The ALIT database includes one record for each exception located in the error data and each record includes: a wire center attribute, an exception date attribute, a facility number attribute, a cable attribute, a pair attribute, a repair package attribute, a maintenance analyst name attribute, a trouble message attribute, a telephone number attribute, a tea attribute and a test result attribute. The number of exceptions per wire center occurring on a selected summary date is calculated in response to receiving a summary request from a user. The summary request includes the selected summary date and input to the calculating is the selected summary date and the ALIT database.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for collecting, maintaining and tracking data for facilities-related information. Data on a variety of remote, stand-alone, and networked facilities is collected and stored with reference to the physical locations of the facilities. Using the physical locations of facilities and any connecting circuits between interrelated and networked facilities, the data is presented to a user of the data through graphical user interfaces and through a mapping program that presents a map of a region in which the user operates, showing facilities under the user's charge in their respective locations on the map. The user may zoom in to the location of a selected facility to obtain a detailed view and detailed information on that facility, including information on connections between facilities.

Abstract: A method (10, 20) and apparatus (30) enables a customer (47) to distinguish between a dead or broken Internet Protocol telephone line and an out-of-service Internet Protocol telephone line. The method detects (11) a hook status of a device (46) coupled to the IP network (33) during an out-of-service status of the line. Upon detection of a change in state from an on-hook state to an off-hook state, a message is sent (13) to the device (46) indicating that the IP telephone line is currently out-of-service and not dead or broken. This message can be a voice or text message. Moreover, the message can provide status information for all of the interfaces of the device coupled to the IP telephone line. In addition, the message can include information as to how to obtain service, such as a telephone number to call.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling an operative setting of a communications link is provided. The communications link is capable of acquiring a plurality of operative settings. Audio quality in the communications link under different operative settings is compared and an operative setting is selected at least in part on the basis of this comparison. A control signal is sent to at least one component in the communications link to cause the communications link to attempt to acquire the selected setting.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a plurality of communication circuits includes an impedance element configured to be switchably connected to one of the plurality of communication circuits. The impedance element is configured as a short circuit relative to the one of the plurality of communication circuits. The system includes an AC current mirror in communication with the impedance element. The system includes a monitor access element in communication with the AC current mirror. The system includes a communication circuit monitor configured to be connected to the monitor access element. To monitor the one of the plurality of communication circuits, the impedance element is switchably connected to the one of the plurality of communication circuits, thereby connecting the communication circuit monitor to the one of the plurality of communication circuits with a minimum of disruption to data communication within the one of the plurality of communication circuits.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of remotely controlling electronic devices, such as telecommunication equipment attached to telephone lines, test equipment, and/or home electronics includes a master board (105) having its own IP address and arranged and constructed to receive (401) instructions via the internet (103) from a remote terminal (101). The instructions are interpreted and converted into one or more commands that are directed (405) to a slave board (113 or 117) that performs, in response to the command(s), one or more operations on a telephone line and its associated hardware and/or software (115), a piece of test equipment (125), lights (123), or other type of electronic device. Any results of the operations may be returned to the terminal (101).

Abstract: A method uses circuitry in a data interface that provides telephony service over a high-speed network to detect the presence of a secondary source of VBH battery voltage on a tip-ring system. If a detected source other than the data interface is impressing battery voltage on the tip-ring system, the circuitry disconnects the data interface's battery source and produces a message that another source is VBH. The determination that another source is present may be based on a threshold value to account for noise. The message is used to produce an alarm at a user interface device. The alarm may be a light indication mounted on the data interface. The alarm may also be a web page that is retrieved from a memory device and displayed on a PC, a PDA or the data interface. The alarm may be provided locally and remotely to a provider's server.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for internally testing portions of a subscriber loop interface circuit. Testing may be conducted on a semiconductor circuit including the subscriber loop interface circuit. The portion of the subscriber loop interface circuit being tested may be the ring trip detector and/or the off-hook detect circuit. Testing may be conducted without disabling the capability of the subscriber loop interface circuit to monitor the hook status of a subscriber.

Abstract: Interfacing to and controlling POTS line conditioning devices using a Voice Interface Unit (VIU) are described. Technicians perform tests and checks while a POTS line is in a conditioned state. The VIU provides a centralized voice input/voice output interface allowing technicians to identify and request various conditioning options using speech. The VIU identifies a line conditioning unit to be used to test a line corresponding to a phone number via a database lookup. The VIU controls the identified line conditioning unit to connect to the POTS line. The VIU provides the technician with an easy to use voice input/output universal interface irrespective of the particular manufacturer/model of line conditioning device by performing conversions to the various protocols and instruction sets used by different manufactures. The VIU includes individual security controls and multiple access levels. The VIU may include load/simulator, call back, and keypad test capability.

Abstract: An apparatus and technique for determining whether a telephone loop is capable of carrying a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) signal. Time domain reflected (TDR) signals that are echoes of transmit impulse signals are processed using time domain echo averaging and echo enhancement using second-order statistics. Each technique allows clearer visualization of the TDR echo signal by reducing the noise and distortion present in the TDR signals. These statistical signal processing techniques allow determination of telephone loop characteristics such as loop length once the TDR echo signal amplitude and time index are calculated.

Abstract: A test procedure control unit outputs control information for carrying out a transition test of a mobile communication terminal (UE) of a cellular system for a predetermined number of times. A transmitting/receiving unit transmits test signals corresponding to cells toward the UE, and receives a response signal from the UE. A reception measurement unit measures a transition time of the UE. A deciding unit whether a transition of the UE is a success or a failure within a predetermine time. A statistical processing unit classifies the measured results in the predetermined number of times into time zones, and carries out a totalization of the number of times of the measured results of the respective transition times corresponding to the respective time zones.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for testing telephone system operation. The method comprising connecting a call agent simulator to a network. Call actions or events are applied from the call agent simulator to the network expected to produce expected results in the network. The telephone system operation is verified by comparing the actual results produced to the expected results. In another aspect, an IP network or a consumer premises equipment is verified using the call agent simulator. In another aspect, the telephone system is a Voice over Internet (VoIP) system.

Abstract: Herein, it is described a method for implementing a Performance Monitoring function according to data retrieved through FEC (Forward Error Correction), in a telecommunication network, which is based on the correlation of information relating to “corrected” and “uncorrected” blocks deriving from the implementation of the FEC function.

Abstract: An error status of a printer is acquired, and based on the acquired status, transmission of a response, a content of a response, a response medium, a response addressee and a response timing are determined. When electronic mail is used as a response medium, text representing the response content that is suitable for electronic mail is prepared, and an opening sentence and a closing sentence are added before and after the text, thereby providing response information. A mail header and footer are added to the prepared response information, and the resultant information is transmitted to a host computer using electronic mail. Whether a problem has been resolved as the result of a response, or whether a response is confirmed by an addressee is determined. When a problem has not yet been resolved, or when a response has not been confirmed, a response is retransmitted using another method.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for generating a graphical representation of call-specific data in a wireless network in conjunction with Xtel and Lucent equipment. The method includes performing a first phone call using the Xtel equipment to obtain a first set of call-specific drive test data from an area covered by the wireless network. This first set of data includes at least a time associated with the first phone call. The method also includes performing a second phone call using the Lucent equipment to perform an RF call trace. This second phone call is made in connection with the drive test and provides a second set of call-specific data. As for the first set of data, the second set of data includes at least a time associated with the second phone call. Next, the method includes combining the first and second sets of data into a combined output file based on common time information.

Abstract: The invention is a method and system conducting a completion test on a communications line. The system includes a testing device coupled to a remote device by a network. Line-test results are received from the testing device and made available to various client devices via the same or another network. Test data is automatically archived for analysis.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for generating a graphical representation of call-specific data in a wireless network in conjunction with Xtel and Ericsson equipment. The method includes performing a first phone call using the Xtel equipment to obtain a first set of call-specific drive test data from an area covered by the wireless network. This first set of data includes at least a time associated with the first phone call. The method also includes performing a second phone call using the Lucent equipment to perform an RF call trace. This second phone call is made in connection with the drive test and provides a second set of call-specific data. As for the first set of data, the second set of data includes at least a time associated with the second phone call. Next, the method includes combining the first and second sets of data into a combined output file based on common time information.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an acoustic signal transfer device for transferring an acoustic signal produced by a telephone handset in a test setup. The device comprises a handset holder, a microphone holder and an acoustic pathway that extends from the handset holder to the microphone holder. The handset holder supports a telephone handset and allows an acoustic signal to travel from the telephone handset to one end of the acoustic pathway. The microphone holder supports a microphone and allows an acoustic signal to travel from a second end of the acoustic pathway to the microphone. A system and method for utilizing the acoustic signal transfer device in a radio frequency immunity test for a telephone are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for testing a subscriber line of a PABX (Private Automatic Branch eXchange) using a DTMF (Dual-Tone Multi-Frequency) signal. The method includes the step of controlling a DTMF transmitter in response to a line test request from an exchange operator to transmit the DTMF signal to the subscriber line, the step of receiving a component of the transmitted DTMF signal reflected from the subscriber line due to impedance mismatching, and the step of determining from a strength of the received DTMF signal component whether the subscriber line is abnormal.

Abstract: A fault is located along a telecommunications line between the network terminating equipment and the local exchange by measuring a change in the capacitance of the line when compared with the capacitance under normal operating conditions. A geographical information system is used to plot all possible routes for the line between the terminating equipment and the exchange, and the most probable route is selected based on the known positions of nodes along the line, such as pole mounted distribution points and streetside cabinets. The distance of the fault along the line is then plotted along the most probable route to determine an accurate fault location, which is given to a field technician as the location of the nearest premises or a grid reference.

Abstract: A control apparatus for controlling a recovery of a terminal-station apparatus includes a communication-state-monitoring unit for detecting an abnormality appearing at each second going-up transmission channel unit.

Abstract: A method of providing failover service to network phones. A failure of communication between a network phone and a primary call manager is identified. Communication is established with a default network device and directory information is provided to the default network device. The network phones needing failover service then use the directory constructed at the default network device as a failover call manager.

Abstract: An outage reporting method and system are disclosed for a telecommunications system. The outage reporting system includes a processor to record a data element value. The data element value indicates a type of outage that occurred in the telecommunications system, such as an administrative or network outage. The data element value can be sent to a network management system for use by the telecommunications provider, for example, to determine whether or not the telecommunications user should receive a refund.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a method is provided in which a connection is established, via a first wireless network, between a first wireless device located at a first location and a diagnostic control unit located at a second location. The first wireless device is coupled to an equipment at the first location the operations of which to be remotely tested by the diagnostic control unit. One or more diagnostic requests are transmitted, via the first wireless network, from the diagnostic control unit to the equipment through the first wireless device to perform one or more diagnostic operations on the equipment. The requested diagnostic operations are performed on the equipment to generate diagnostic results.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a communications circuit includes at least one impedance element connected to the communications circuit when the communications circuit is established. Communication devices communicating via the communications circuit adapt to the presence of the at least one impedance element. Each impedance element is switchably connected to a respective reference ground point. The system includes at least one monitor access element configured as a virtual reference ground point. Each impedance element is switchably disconnected from a respective monitor access element. The system includes at least one communications circuit monitor connected to the respective monitor access element. To monitor the communications circuit, the at least one impedance element is switchably connected to the respective monitor access element and switchably disconnected from the respective reference ground point.

Abstract: Techniques for estimating distances to irregularities on a subscriber loop are described. A loop response is measured in the frequency domain. The loop response is weighted by a prolate spheroidal wave function to yield a weighted response. The weighted response is transformed to a spectral domain, and peaks in the spectral domain are identified as the distances to the irregularities.

Abstract: A test unit for determining whether a local telephone company demarcation point device is providing telecommunication signals to one of a plurality of telephone lines of a telephone system includes: a demarcation point connector that is configured to interface with a connector of the demarcation point; a telephone system connector that is configured to interface with a connector of the telephone system; a plurality of switches, each of the switches being configured to selectively connect a connection site of the demarcation point device with a corresponding connection site of the telephone system, the selective connection providing a telephone line therebetween; and an indicator that signals whether a designated connection site of the demarcation point device is providing telecommunication signals to its respective telephone line.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for generating a graphical representation of call-specific data in a wireless network in conjunction with Comarco and Hughes equipment. The method includes performing a first phone call using the Xtel equipment to obtain a first set of call-specific drive test data from an area covered by the wireless network. This first set of data includes at least a time associated with the first phone call. The method also includes performing a second phone call using the Lucent equipment to perform an RF call trace. This second phone call is made in connection with the drive test and provides a second set of call-specific data. As for the first set of data, the second set of data includes at least a time associated with the second phone call. Next, the method includes combining the first and second sets of data into a combined output file based on common time information.

Abstract: A method characterizes a customer line for data transmission. The method includes measuring electrical properties of the customer line from a central location, identifying a line model from the measurements, and identifying a modem model for a modem selected for use with the customer line. The modem model gives performance data for the selected modem. The method also predicts performance data for the customer line when operated with the selected modem by combining the line and modem models.

Abstract: Allowing a tester of a telephonic device to issue call control commands to a call control server using an intuitive set of commands and using both data lines for data call control commands, and voice lines for touch tone or “DTMF” call control commands. The user may initiate a call control command by either entering the call control command in a command line of a program executed at a telephonic device, or by crafting a function call using an Application Program Interface (API) that allows for more intuitive function calls that are more descriptive of the call control command. During execution, the more descriptive user-entered command or function call is converted into a form that recognized by the call control server. The converted call control command is then transmitted to the call control server.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a conference server. A plurality of test tone signals are generated. In one embodiment each test tone signal comprises the sum of at least two distinct frequency signals. Each test tone signal is employed to simulate a participant and the test tone signals are applied to a plurality of inputs of the conference server. At least some of the test tone signals are combined by the conference server to produce a corresponding plurality of test output signals. The test output signals are analyzed to identify whether the proper test tone signals are present within the respective test output signals. The generation of test tone signals and the analysis of the conference server outputs may be automated to facilitate rapid testing of conference server functionality. An indication of the test results are generated.

Abstract: A method for testing subscriber loop conditions includes receiving test signal data from a test signal provider, receiving a request for transmitting a test signal described by the test signal data, and transmitting the test signal over a subscriber loop. The test signal may correspond to a pre-qualification test signal, a qualification test signal, or an in-service test signal. Test results may be transmitted to the test signal provider or to some other designated.

Abstract: SELP techniques that provide an accurate estimate of the length of a transmission medium (e.g., subscriber loop in a DSL system) are disclosed. A probe signal is transmitted over the transmission medium at one or more frequencies. A reflected version of the probe signal is then received. Transmission medium impedance is determined based on the ratio of the reflected version of the probe signal and the transmitted probe signal. An estimate of transmission medium length is determined by comparing its impedance to a plurality of predetermined impedances, each of which is associated with a transmission medium having known length. Thus, the length of the systems transmission medium is identified. The transmission medium impedance can also be used to identify the presence of load coils and short circuits in the transmission medium.

Abstract: A Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer includes a set of line cards, a set of xDSL modem cards, a redundant xDSL modem card, a test and switching unit, a control unit, and a trunk unit. Each line card may include a switch, through which the control unit may selectively direct the line card to couple to a corresponding xDSL modem card or a redundancy bus. The test and switching unit is coupled to the redundancy bus, and includes a relay matrix and a Copper Loop Tester (CLT). In response to commands received from the control unit, the relay matrix may route redundancy bus signals to the CLT and/or the redundant xDSL modem card. The CLT performs tests to measure or determine subscriber loop electrical characteristics in response to control unit commands, and returns test results to the control unit.

Abstract: Customer services terminal input connected between telephone exchange and outputs. Interface circuits provide service between input and outputs Test means applies test conditions to interface circuits and/or to outputs associated with the interface circuits, and/or to ring/tip pairs associated with interface circuits, and/or to telephone lines associated with interface circuits Other interface circuits service input to other outputs Test means analog-to-digital converter includes reference input, analog measuring input, ground potential input, and test output Normally de-energized calibration relay has normally-closed switches and normally-open switches. Normally-closed switch connects reference voltage to reference input. Another normally-closed switch connects analog measuring input to test means generated voltage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed. The method includes one or more of the following: compiling statistical models of physical layers of a communications system; creating a priori distributions of cross-talk transfer functions; storing the models and the a priori distribution in a storage medium; and using the models and the a priori distributions to diagnose probable causes of events detected in said communications system.

Abstract: A telecommunications system includes a telephone exchange and a customer services terminal whose input is connected to the telephone exchange, and whose plural outputs are individually connected to one of a plurality of telephone lines. A plurality of interface circuits within the customer services terminal are individually connected intermediate the input and one of the plural outputs. Self-test means provides for the testing of selected interface circuits. Loop-test means provides for the testing of selected telephone lines. A self-test relay is responsive to the self-test means and operates to disconnect the selected outputs from corresponding telephone lines as self-test conditions are applied to selected interface circuits as these interface circuits are disconnected from the selected telephone lines. The loop test means applies loop-test conditions to selected interface circuits, while the selected interface circuits and the corresponding outputs remain connected to the corresponding telephone lines.

Abstract: The invention concerns a time domain reflectometry method for estimating properties of a transmission channel, for instance a channel for transmitting electric or acoustic signals. This method includes the steps of generating, at one end of the channel, a plurality of pulses (40, 42, 44) covering differency frequency bands, and processing the echoes provided by these pulses at the same end of the channel. The frequency bands of the generated pulses are preferably overlapping. The invention is particularly applicable to the testing of ADSL services.

Abstract: An inertial sensor with failure threshold includes a first body and a second body, which can move relative to one another and are constrained by a plurality of elastic elements, and a sample element connected between the first body and the second body and shaped so as to be subjected to a stress when the second body is outside of a relative resting position with respect to the first body. The sample element has at least one weakened region. The sensor may also include additional sample elements connected between the first and second bodies.

Abstract: A telecommunications system includes a customer services terminal that is connected intermediate a telephone exchange and a user location that has a plurality of telephone lines. The customer services terminal and/or the telephone lines are tested by providing a web server within the customer services terminal. The web server includes a graphic user interface that enables the selection of self-test to be applied to selected portions of the customer services terminal, and/or enables the selection of loop test to be applied to selected ones of the plurality of telephone lines. Selected self-tests are applied to selected portions of the customer services terminal, and/or selected loop-tests are applied to selected ones of the plurality of telephone lines, as a remainder of the customer services terminal and/or a remainder of the plurality of telephone lines remain operative to supply telecommunications services to the user-location.

Abstract: A remote power feeding method allowing efficient remote power feeding into a network termination device in the event of a commercial power failure at a subscriber site is disclosed. When the commercial power failure occurs, a power failure signal is transmitted from the subscriber-side network termination device to the central office-side line termination device. The central office-side line termination device, when receiving the power failure signal, starts DC power feeding to the subscriber-side network termination device via the subscriber line. During the power failure, only voice communication is permitted using previously selected good channels.

Abstract: An impedance blocking filter circuit is provided for use in telecommunication systems for interconnecting between incoming telephone lines and customer's terminal equipment so as to unconditionally block impedances above 20 KHz due to the customer's terminal equipment from an ADSL network unit and/or home networking interface unit. The filter circuit includes first, second, and third inductors connected in series between a first input terminal and a first common point. A first resistor has its one end connected also to the first common point and its other end connected to a first output terminal. Fourth, fifth and sixth inductors are connected in series between a second input terminal and a second common point. A second resistor has its one end also connected to the second common point and its other end connected to a second output terminal. A capacitor has its ends connected across the first and second common points.