Abstract: A central electronic control unit (ECU, Ref. 14) is provided for controlling at least one bi-directional direct current (DC) motor (106) attached to a first vehicle seat and at least one electronic device attached to a second vehicle seat. The central ECU includes a micro-controller configured to receive feedback on a positional status of the bi-directional DC motor from a Hall Effect sensor (130). The micro-controller is configured to receive input instructions for the bi-directional DC motor and the electronic device. The micro-controller creates command instructions based in part on the received feedback and received input instructions. The central ECU selectively provides pulse width modulated (PWM) power to the bi-directional DC motor attached to the first vehicle seat and selectively provides power to the electronic device attached to the second vehicle seat in response to the command instructions from the micro-controller.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which provide availability of information on a network wide basis, with the network or information technology (IT) fabric spanning a wide range of institutions and other sources of information, including correctional facilities, without regard to which jurisdiction the source of information belongs, e.g. police, courts, federal investigation agencies, public databases etcetera. Embodiments provide an electronic based capability to identify useful information and for locating, collecting, compiling, aggregating, distilling, and/or reporting robust data.

Abstract: A handheld maintenance tool operates to detect the existence of a fault in a communication line or bus, including detecting short circuit or other low impedance faults, open circuit or other high impedance faults, etc. Additionally, the handheld maintenance tool may operate to detect an approximate location of a fault within the communication line with respect to the handheld device, to thereby enable an operator or maintenance person to more easily find and repair a detected fault.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which provide availability of information on a network wide basis, with the network or information technology (IT) fabric spanning a wide range of institutions and other sources of information, including correctional facilities, without regard to which jurisdiction the source of information belongs, e.g. police, courts, federal investigation agencies, public databases etcetera. Embodiments provide an electronic based capability to identify useful information and for locating, collecting, compiling, aggregating, distilling, and/or reporting robust data.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the use of a short message service in a telecommunication system that includes a telecommunication network, a terminal device by which a subscriber is connected to the network, a mobile services switching center connected to the network, a gateway connected to the network, a short message service center connected to the gateway, and a database (DB) connected to or associated with the gateway. A short message sent by an originating subscriber is checked as to whether the short message is among those deemed non-allowed. Forwardable short messages are directed to the gateway, from which the database is queried to determine whether the originating subscriber is permitted the short message to the intended recipient or, alternatively, whether the message should been blocked based on predetermined criteria.

Abstract: A negotiator makes and receives calls and SMS with a subject through a virtual number. Parties of individuals serving specialized functions are optionally dialed in to monitor the call/receive the SMS each time those communications occur. Alternatively, a member of a particular party can dial in ahead of a call and be placed in a waiting room for the party until the call happens. Different parties may have different functions. For example, one party may be configured such that members can discuss amongst themselves while hearing the negotiator and the subject communicate. Another party may be configured such that communications among the members is disabled such that each member only hears audio from the negotiator and subject.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to electronically tag a circuit pair are disclosed herein. Example methods include generating circuit identifying information to be included in a tag, transmitting the circuit identifying information to a first network element and to a portable circuit probe, and electronically tagging the circuit pair by applying a tone to the circuit pair at the first network element. In some examples, the tone is encoded to include the tag. Example methods additionally include notifying the portable circuit probe that the circuit pair has been electronically tagged. In some examples, the tag is transmitted to the first network element via the circuit pair and, if the first network element fails to acknowledge receipt of the circuit identifying information, via an out-of-band network.

Abstract: In one of many possible embodiments, an exemplary system includes a test management subsystem configured to provide a user portal to a user of a circuit provided by a service provider, the user portal including a tool enabling the user to select a signal loop for testing at least a section of the circuit, the signal loop being selected from a plurality of signal loop options. The system also includes a network management subsystem communicatively coupled to the test management subsystem, the network management subsystem being configured to receive data representative of the selection from the test management subsystem and instruct, based on the selection, a network device along the circuit to execute a loop-back mode. In certain embodiments, the selected signal loop defines a test pattern signal flow for testing a subsection of the circuit.

Abstract: A method for monitoring voice quality in a communication network. In a first embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: establishing a voice communication pathway (VCPW) between first and second telephone terminals; establishing speech cadence between first and second terminals, wherein the terminals alternate between opposing send and listen/receive modes such that when one of the terminals is sending a voice test message the other terminal is either listening for or receiving the voice test message and vice versa; and calculating a voice quality score for one or more received voice test messages. In a second embodiment, synchronous cadence is established between a plurality of telephone terminals and a voice recognition server (VRS).

Abstract: One embodiment is a method for performing 2-wire line imbalance measurements. The method comprises receiving a probe signal and based on the probe signal, determining one of more of: an estimated transverse conversion loss (TCL) coupling transfer function and an estimated transverse conversion transfer loss (TCTL) coupling transfer function.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wiring degradation detector for use with telephone wire-pairs providing electric power. In one embodiment, the wiring degradation detector includes a transmission section configured to transmit load power over the telephone wire-pairs. Additionally, the wiring degradation detector also includes a test section coupled to the transmission section and configured to provide a load power test signal that determines a condition of the telephone wire-pairs. In an alternative embodiment, the wiring degradation detector further includes a degradation monitoring section coupled to the test section and configured to track values of the condition of the wiring over time.

Abstract: System for coordinating the use of a mapping system comparing the physical connection status of a cable link in a network with the administrative data about said cable link in the network administration. The coordinating system uses data from one or several existing databases. Based on an analysis of the data retrieved from the one or more databases the system generates a detailed work order for an engineer to perform measurements with a mapping system. A mapping system is a system that performs measurements on the connections within a telecommunication network and compares the results of these measurements with the data in one of the databases. Differences are analyzed by the coordinating system.

Abstract: In one of many possible embodiments, an exemplary system includes a test management subsystem configured to provide a user portal to a user of a circuit provided by a service provider, the user portal including a tool enabling the user to select a signal loop for testing at least a section of the circuit, the signal loop being selected from a plurality of signal loop options. The system also includes a network management subsystem communicatively coupled to the test management subsystem, the network management subsystem being configured to receive data representative of the selection from the test management subsystem and instruct, based on the selection, a network device along the circuit to execute a loop-back mode. In certain embodiments, the selected signal loop defines a test pattern signal flow for testing a subsection of the circuit.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for selectively providing access to a network node for testing and verification associated with a testing classification and requests are received from a network component to initiate a call via the net-work node. If it is determined that with the testing classification, service is provided via the network node.

Abstract: An interrupt message is sent over one of a plurality of transport mediums from a first mobile device to a second mobile device. The interrupt message may include a first mobile device identifier associated with a transport medium that is independent of the plurality of transport mediums. Upon receipt of the interrupt message at the second mobile device an interruption of any current mobile device operation may occur to notify a user of the interrupt message.

Abstract: Estimates of a communication system configuration, such as a DSL system, are based on operational data collected from a network element management system, protocol and users. The operational data collected from the system can include performance-characterizing operational data that typically is available in the OSL system via element-management-system protocols. Generated estimates and/or approximations can be used in evaluating system performance and directly or indirectly dictating/requiring changes or recommending improvements in operation by transmitters and/or other parts of the indication system. Data and/or other information may be collected using internal means or using system elements and components via e-mail and/or other extra means. The likelihood of the models accuracy can be based on various data, information and/or indicators of system performance, such as observed normal operational data, test data and/or prompted operational data that shows operating performance based on stimulation signals.

Abstract: A modem testing system is provided for testing interoperability of plural items of customer premises equipment (CPEs) (10) and plural central offices (COs) (60). The modem testing system includes a line simulator (50), a switch (40), and a controller (30). The line simulator is connected to the CPEs and COs for simulating various types of lines and noise statuses. The switch is connected to the line simulator, the CPEs, and the COs for switching connections between the CPEs and the COs. The controller is connected to the line simulator, the switch, the CPEs, and the COs for controlling the switch to set up communications between the CPEs and the COs according to a mapping list, and controlling the line simulator to simulate various types of lines and noises statuses. An exemplary modem testing method is also provided.

Abstract: A method, system, and medium for determining a least-cost, international-routing path to communicate data across a telecommunications network are provided. The path implementation variables can be presented on a user interface or used to automatically generate a switch update transaction that implements the path. The method includes identifying variables that affect the determination of a least-cost path, receiving data values that correspond to the variables, and presenting the data values so that the path can be determined in response to observing the variables. Confidence and route testing can be conducted using the present invention.

Abstract: A system and method for performing DSL assessments of a telephone line along a prescribed test path is disclosed. The disclosed system includes a loop diagnostic test unit adapted for testing said telephone line using narrow-band and mid-band frequency test signals; a test system controller and a test system server to provide the DSL assessments to a user via an appropriate interface. In addition, the disclosed methods include the basic steps of: accessing the telephone line along the test path that includes selected hardware such as a voice switch test bus, central office splitter, service provider instruments and terminations; ascertaining various line characteristics along the test path using mid-band and narrow-band frequency signals; analyzing the line characteristics to identify line conditions that affect DSL service; and determining the impact of the line conditions on DSL service.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a fault in a joint connecting sections of an electrical transmission line together are disclosed. Previously known methods for detecting joint faults require a visual inspection of the joint or testing the transmission line using sophisticated, expensive equipment. This manual testing is expensive and inefficient. In the proposed method, a fault in a joint (301) connecting sections of an electrical transmission line (107) together is detected by measuring the resistance to current flowing through the joint (301) in one and the other directions along said electrical transmission line (107) and detecting a fault in the joint (301) if the measured resistance differs substantially in said one and the other directions. The method has particular utility in relation to low power transmission lines such as telephone lines.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for connection verification. An embodiment includes a DSL based system, with a tester resident at a central office respective to a DSLAM. When a problem is encountered by a subscriber, the tester can be readily connected to the DSLAM to allow performance of tests on the connection between the tester, the DSLAM and the Internet. If such tests are successful, then service provider can eliminate that portion of the link as the source of the connectivity problem. If unsuccessful, the service provider can repair that portion of the connection, and thereby potentially obviate the need to send a technician to the subscriber premises.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer-usable medium for mitigating audible acknowledgement volume in a vehicle security system. A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes measuring an amplitude of a valid signal, in response to receiving the valid signal; in response to determining the amplitude of the valid signal, comparing the amplitude to a first predetermined threshold; in response to the comparison, adjusting a volume setting of an audible acknowledgement; further adjusting the volume setting in response to measuring ambient noise of a surrounding location; and emitting the audible acknowledgement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for monitoring a trunked radio communications system by using some type of radio scanning receiver that is not designed for that purpose. In addition, the invention provides a method for automatically determining the polarity of the received control channel data. Further, the invention provides a method for automatically determining the type of trunked radio communications system. In addition the invention provides a method for automatically determining the channels in a trunked radio system and a method for automatically determining the bit rate of transmitted digital signals over a control channel of a trunked radio communications system.

Abstract: Transmission channels indicated as occupied in a communications system having peripheral modules are inspected for preparing subscriber-side transmission channels. A test sequence transmitter on the system side transmits a test sequence to a control unit for a selected peripheral module. The test sequence is transmitted to a test sequence receiver over a transmission channel, which is indicated as occupied and which is assigned to the peripheral module. The test sequence, which is transmitted by the test sequence transmitter, and the test sequence, which is received by the test sequence receiver, are inspected for an evaluation of conformity. In the instance of non-conformity, the selected transmission channel is disconnected in a targeted manner.

Abstract: A method for operating a data network, which includes at least one transmission link, defined by a transmitter and a receiver, wherein in test mode the actual level reserve in the direction of the sensitivity limit, thus between the actual transmitting power of the transmitter and the actual sensitivity limit of the receiver, is determined for at least one transmission link. To better utilize the transmitting capacity of the data network, in test mode, the actual level reserve in the direction of the overload limit, thus between the actual transmitting power of the transmitter and the actual overload limit of the receiver, is also determined for the at least one transmission link.

Abstract: An order wire monitoring method monitors form a monitoring control terminal a quality of an order wire line which couples transmission apparatuses via multiplexed lines which multiplex and transmit main and order wire signals. A transmission apparatus which is to transmit test data and a transmission apparatus which is to receive test data are specified from the monitoring control terminal, and the test data are transmitted from a specified transmitting apparatus to the order wire line in response to a start of test instructed from the monitoring control terminal. The monitoring control terminal monitors the quality of the order wire line based on information received from the specified receiving apparatus via the specified transmitting apparatus.

Abstract: A system for transmitting operational control messages to a plurality of remotely-disposed cable-locating transmitters uses a spare communication line associated with each transmitter to carry the control messages from unit to unit. In the case of a fiber optic cable, the control message is transferred from an incoming telephone line associated with a first cable-locating transmitter to a spare optical fiber. The control message then propagates down the fiber to the next transmitter (where this transmitter does not otherwise have accessibility to a telephone line). This transmitter converts the optical signal to an electrical signal and either uses the control message (if indeed destined for that particular transmitter), or re-converts it to optical form and sends it further along the spare fiber to the next remote cable-locating transmitter further down the line.

Abstract: A method for decomposing a service activation request (SAR) into sub-requests for specific network resources and classifying the SAR with an adaptive bucket value based on the dynamic performance characteristics of the corresponding network resources. Each SAR has a virtual bucket value whose size is determined by the bucket values of its constituent sub-requests. Over time, as multiple SARs are processed, the bucket values associated with each requested resource are adjusted to reflect system resource loading and availability. If the bucket value of a constituent sub-request is adaptively decreased down to a zero value, for instance due to an overflow condition or an excess of requests for that particular service, any new SAR requesting the same resource will be prevented from decomposition and processing. This will happen even if the sub-request is mature, i.e., due to be executed in the very near-term.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for identifying defective communications lines. The method generally involves passively detecting signals symptomatic of and generated by a defective communications line rather than by a user accessing a communication network via the line. One alternative involves monitoring calls to a selected number having low digit and set values. Analysis of the pattern of calls to the selected number, or directly monitoring the frequencies upon the communications line, identify calls that are effectively generated by defects in a communications line rather than legitimate calls generated by network users. Spurious calls are associated with the originating communications line. The line can then be automatically tested or service dispatched. More automated alternatives are also disclosed that make use of switch reconfigurations. Central office switches may be programmed to detect a variety of events that indicate a spurious pulse or seizure is being generated by a communication line.

Abstract: A switch includes a repetitive call detection unit which detects a repetitive call which occupies channels in an identical channel group. A release unit releases the channels occupied by the repetitive call when the repetitive call is detected. A restriction unit stores information concerning the repetitive call and imposes a restriction on a connection of a call having information identical to the information concerning the repetitive call. A test unit determines whether a cause of the repetitive call has been removed. A restriction release unit releases the above restriction in accordance with a result of determination by the test unit.

Abstract: A bi-directional communication system advantageously automatically senses and reports problems to a central operator network management station and operates with fewer subscriber service interruptions by detecting and correcting such conditions before they result in subscriber service interruption. Specifically, a system adaptively varies upstream transmission power level to prevent communication interruption in a cable modem network. A method for adaptively adjusting communication operation by varying a transmission parameter involves retrieving a communication parameter from memory and comparing the retrieved parameter with a predetermined threshold. A message is transmitted to a CATV head-end at a remote site representing that the parameter value indicates adjustment of the parameter is necessary.

Abstract: The invention presented herein is directed to a remotely addressable maintenance unit (RAMU) working in conjunction with a test head at the central office for detecting and locating faults in digital subscriber loop (DSL) and/or plain old telephone system (POTS) environments. The RAMU includes circuitry for setting and resetting one or more relays for either normal or testing/maintenance mode. The present invention provides a system and method for addressing the RAMU by applying either positive or negative voltages from the tip to ground, from ring to ground, and from tip and ring to ground. In this manner, individual RAMUs can be defined/designed to respond in certain voltage levels and polarities. Accurate fault detection and sectionalization is achieved by the combination of the addressing capabilities enumerated herein, and the impedance signature designed into the RAMU, working in concert with a test head in the central office.

Abstract: An electronic relay matrix (22) is connectable between a plurality of customer telephone lines and a plurality of testers (2, 201-203). The electronic relay matrix (22) includes a line matrix (80) having a plurality of relay assemblies (821-8250). Each relay assembly (82) in a relaxed state connects together the line-side (12) and the drop-side (8) of one of the customer telephone lines. Each relay assembly (82) is adjustable to enable one of the plurality of testers (2, 201-203) to be connected to the drop-side (8) and/or the line-side (12) of a desired customer telephone line.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method a method for testing, configuring, and evaluating a transmission line. The method receives a set of command and data signals through an input/output interface and processes the command and data signals from the input/output interface for controlling at least one relay. The method also activates at least one switch for testing and improving a transmission signal line using the relay and testing and emulating the transmission signal line based upon the activated switch. The method also configures the transmission signal line based upon the testing and emulating.

Abstract: A CATV system in which a technician in the field requests via a field client that a node of the CATV system be tested for ingress. The CATV system includes a headend facility that is coupled to a CATV distribution network. The CATV distribution network includes a plurality of nodes through which upstream signals are transmitted to the headend facility. A method of ingress testing for use in the CATV system includes one step of receiving at the headend facility a first reverse telemetry signal transmitted by a first field client that is coupled to the CATV distribution network at a first location downstream from the headend facility. Another step of the method includes selecting at the headend facility a first test node from the plurality of nodes of the CATV distribution network, wherein the selection is based upon the received first reverse telemetry signal.

Abstract: A test stimulus includes two signals RR, S. Signal S is transmitted to a customer equipment interface and over a system under test to a complementary remote apparatus. The test apparatus has two inputs processed by a number of functional elements. The first input is the reference signal RR. The other input is a corresponding test signal R′ generated at remote test apparatus as a test signal R, identical with reference signal RR, and transmitted over the system under test via the customer interface. These two versions of the same test signal are compared. Firstly, the signals RR, R′ are processed by a psycho-acoustic model, the output of which is transmitted to a perceptual layer, and then to a conversion unit which also receives a further input from a non-optimum loudness rating unit. The output from the conversion unit is transmitted to a signal quality determination unit, which also receives an input from the customer equipment interface.

Abstract: A monitor is provided that is used to transmit data being exchanged over a NTDS Type E interface to an instrumentation system. The monitor is electrically isolated from the instrumentation system and comprises a directional coupler that passes and inhibits selected data to and from the instrumentation system.

Abstract: The invention presented herein is directed to a remotely addressable maintenance unit (RAMU) working in conjunction with a test head at the central office for detecting and locating faults in digital subscriber loop (DSL) and/or plain old telephone system (POTS) environments. The RAMU includes circuitry for setting and resetting one or more relays for either normal or testing/maintenance mode. The present invention provides a system and method for addressing the RAMU by applying either positive or negative voltages from the tip to ground, from ring to ground, and from tip and ring to ground. In this manner, individual RAMUs can be defined/designed to respond in certain voltage levels and polarities. Accurate fault detection and sectionalization is achieved by the combination of the addressing capabilities enumerated herein, and the impedance signature designed into the RAMU, working in concert with a test head in the central office.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an apparatus and a method for testing, configuring, and evaluating a transmission line. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a Universal Telephone Equipment Terminator (UTET) capable of implementing at least one of a test, configuration, and emulation on the transmission line.

Abstract: A testing system for voice system equipment in a switchboard includes a testing maintenance terminal for inputting telephone number information of an ordinary subscriber's telephone that is to be designated as a maintenance party telephone. The testing maintenance terminal can be a testing maintenance terminal of a general-purpose information processing unit. A call processing block inside a control unit of the switchboard includes a test accepting module for accepting the telephone number information from the testing maintenance terminal and for transmitting a call message to a call control module, in addition to the call control module and a translation module.

Abstract: There is described a key telephone system which enables rewriting of the main program of the key telephone system, recovery of the key telephone system from a failure, and maintenance of the key telephone system such as diagnosis in an immediate, flexible, and inexpensive manner, a maintenance method for the key telephone system, and a medium on which is recorded a program for carrying out the maintenance method. A program to be rewritten is downloaded from an external device to a second storage means. After an existing program of a storage means has been saved into the second storage means, the downloaded program stored in the second storage means is transmitted and rewritten into the storage means. Failure information recording means records information regarding at least failures that occur at the time of downloading the program, failures that occur at the time of saving the existing program, and failures that occur at the time of rewriting the downloaded program.

Abstract: A test matrix switch-associated mechanism conducts an interactive communication session with the butt set of an incumbent local exchange carrier (ILEC) technician, to verify the intended connectivity of a digital subscriber line pair through the switch to customer premises equipment subscribing to digital service from a competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC). Connectivity through the switch is controlled by way of a supervisory control processor that may be downloaded with communication and test control software from a remote test unit, in association with one or more CLECs that are served by the ILEC's central office equipment. Once loaded with this control software, including a routine for executing the connectivity verification mechanism of the invention, the switch's control processor sources digitally synthesized test signals for application to a line under test, and conducts a digitally-based analysis of replies to such signals as supplied by a craftsperson's butt set.

Abstract: A two-ended, line-driving and receiving/tone signal analysis system performs line connection verification applying a low-distortion, low-amplitude test signal to one end of a cable pair under test and monitoring the response of a remote end wireline pair. Preferably the test signal frequency is on the order of 110 Hz, which avoids domestic and foreign AC power signal frequencies and is spectrally equidistant from their harmonics. It also avoids ringing frequencies for POTS lines, and remains safely below the 350 Hz lower limit of POTS and other telephone line system services. In response to application of the 110 Hz test signal to tip and ring segments of a wireline pair at one end of the cable bundle, the energy of the 110 Hz component, as well as that of two other ‘spectrally nearby’ (slightly higher at 112 Hz and slightly lower at 108 Hz), are measured at a tip and ring pair at the far end of the cable plant.

Abstract: A network interface device intended to be placed approximate to the customers equipment and remote from a central office of a telephone company (“TELCO”). The purpose of the network interface device is to allow the twisted pair transmission line between the central office and the customer's port to be selectively switched from a normal monitoring mode into a test mode. The test mode has two phases. In the first phase, the NIU transmits a signal back to the central office. This allows the central office to determine whether there are any problems with the transmission line, the potential bandwidth for the transmission line and related parameters concerning the efficacy and suitability of the transmission line for a variety of communication services. In the second phase, which is entered into upon completion of the first phase, the customer-end ADSL low pass filter is bypassed so that the central office can test the customer's POTS equipment.

Abstract: A testing environment and a method for telephone number identification and/or verification. The method identifies a telephone number associated with a tested telephone line by: (a) operatively connecting a test equipment to the tested telephone line; (b) dialing via a communication port of the test equipment, via the tested telephone line, via a cellular communication system, to a cellular receiver, and (c) processing a received signal received by the cellular receiver to identify the telephone number associated with the tested telephone line.

Abstract: An interactive electronic module (IEM) is adapted as a retrofit module for use in modular network equipment to provide real time analysis of trunk line signal performance and to detect trunk line signal faults, the IEM including a faceplate display panel accessible to the network operator for displaying the detected signal faults and for providing operator access to the IEM to command the display of selected trunk line faults.

Abstract: In a communications environment where it is desirable to allow the simultaneous transmission of digital subscriber line (DSL) signals and conventional plain old telephone service (POTS) signals on a single two-wire communication line, a method and apparatus is configured to automatically measure the distortion caused by a telephone or other attached device such as a dial modem due to the presence of a DSL signal on the same communication line, and to use such measurement to automatically and adaptively adjust the DSL output signal to achieve the highest DSL data rate commensurate with an acceptable level of distortion as required by the POTS devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of testing voice paths in telecommunications systems where said voice paths include voice compression and decompression, and to an apparatus for achieving the same. More specifically, it relates to such a method and apparatus, where the method comprises establishing a voice path including voice compression and decompression between a first telephone and a second telephone both involved in a call between at least two telephones, generating a signal uniquely identifying the first telephone, transmitting the signal from the first telephone, and monitoring the second telephone for reception of the signal at the second telephone via the voice path established between the first and second telephones.

Abstract: In a computing network environment having a gateway device that is electronically connected on one side to at least one local area network and on other side to a plurality of initiating hosts, an apparatus for establishing direct communication between a first initiating host and a second initiating host through the gateway device without necessity of involving the local area network in the communication and its related data transmission. The apparatus comprises of an initialization component for obtaining all information about all connected hosts and storing it in a port-sharing table in a memory location accessible to the gateway device. The gateway device controls all communications through a controller component. Upon receiving of a request for establishing communication between two initiating hosts, retrieving means is used for obtaining all information for establishing of a successful communication from said port-sharing table.

Abstract: A system and method for providing software-implemented, programmable testing of telephone subscriber line power conditions. The system detects subscriber line faults including resistive faults and foreign voltages on a telephone subscriber line. A user interface is provided to enter user-programmable threshold values corresponding to subscriber line fault conditions. A fault threshold memory is coupled to the user interface to store the generated threshold values. A processing unit is configured and arranged to compare signal attributes on the telephone subscriber line to the generated threshold values stored in the fault threshold memory, and is further configured and arranged to identify an occurrence of a fault corresponding to a predetermined condition introduced onto the telephone subscriber line in response thereto.