Abstract: A system for testing a communication network includes a test system and a cross-connect system. The test system generates a plurality of independent low data rate test signals with first data rates. The test system combines the independent low data rate test signals to generate a high data rate test signal. The test system then transmits the high data rate test signal from the test system to a shared test port. The cross-connect system transfers the high data rate test signal to a cross-connect matrix that connects the independent low data rate test signals to the communication network. The cross-connect system then receives the independent low data rate test signals from the communication network into the shared test port. The cross-connect system transmits the high data rate test signal from the shared test port to the test system. The test system separates the high data rate test signal into the independent low data rate test signals.

Abstract: A signaling link interface (10) includes a high level data link controller (12) that receives signaling information from network elements in a telecommunication network. A link state controller (14) performs message transfer part level two processing on the signaling information. The link state controller (14) generates a response message that the high level data link controller (12) provides back to the network elements. The high level data link controller (12) and the link state controller (14) are implemented in hardware as field programmable gate array devices. Information related to operation of the signaling link interface (10) may be downloaded from a remote site into the field programmable gate array devices. The signaling link interface (10) processes signaling information received from a plurality of signaling links on a link by link basis.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a method and an apparatus that implements the Bell Communications Research (now Telcordia) Specification of Signaling System No. 7, chapter T1.111.3 algorithm requirements in hardware in a manner that significantly improves throughput capacity and reduces event processing time. The software driven implementations of the MTP-2 algorithms satisfy the requirements of T1.111.3, but only a limited number of communications channels may be processed therewith. The number of channels that may be processed by the present invention, however, is only constrained by the available logic resources and gate delays. In the described embodiment of the invention, 64 channels of data may be processed by the inventive gate array formed to execute the MTP-2 algorithm. To achieve such results, the MLSC inventive gate array includes circuitry that parses incoming signaling into three different groups.

Abstract: The invention is a fault isolation method and apparatus for use in a network access server. The method includes allocating one or more modems in a group of modems associated with an access server to a debug modem pool; allocating one or more remaining modems in the group to a session modem pool; thereafter determining whether an incoming call to the access server meets predefined fault isolation criteria; and, if so, then allocating a debug modem from the debug modem pool to the incoming call and initiating a fault isolation session; and if not, then allocating a session modem from the session modem pool to the incoming call and proceeding with a normal session. Preferably, the defined criteria include at least one match between one or more user attributes associated with the incoming call and one or more corresponding fault isolation session attributes stored within the network access server. The criteria themselves may be configurable, e.g. definable by the user.

Abstract: In order to check the functionality of a switching center (VST) which is to be tested in a telecommunications network in which user information on the subscriber connections is interchanged via intermediate interfaces (NK1, NK2) with a respectively connected switching center, and signaling messages for controlling the subscriber connections and for administration of the intermediate interfaces (NK1, NK2) are interchanged via signaling interfaces (SSS), original signaling messages which have been transmitted from the switching center (VST) and in which the switching center (VST) is stated as the source point are received, the original signaling messages are each converted in accordance with a predetermined rule into signaling messages in which the switching center (VST) is stated as the destination point, and the signaling messages which have been converted in this way are sent to the switching center (VST).

Abstract: A system/method of establishing a two-way communication system between a testing/manufacturing site and a component vendor is disclosed. The system allows the test results related to a component failure to be immediately available to a vendor by allowing the vendor password protected access to a product database that contains information regarding the product being tested. The system automatically alerts the vendor associated with the defective component, and allows the vendor to download the vendor's failure analysis report to the product database as soon as it becomes available. Upon receipt of the vendor's failure analysis report, the appropriate testing/manufacturing personnel are notified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a detector comprising a microprocessor so that when a test item is inputted through an input device, the microprocessor is activated to read the test item and writes an identification (ID) of a user device or telecommunication device of CO corresponding to the test item into a VDSL chipset of the detector, which is used to simulate a virtual user device or telecommunication device of CO and enables the microprocessor to send a packet to telecommunication device of CO or user device for test, and quickly find out whether there is a line interruption or poor quality communication between telecommunication device of CO and user device.

Abstract: An intelligent apparatus comprises a master module and a plurality of slave modules each having a CPU, a control circuit and an associated software, wherein each of the slave modules is in communication with the master module, and the CPU of the master module may control the CPUs of the slave modules respectively to form a single system. When the master module detects that a monitoring device coupled to a single user I/O interface installed in the apparatus is performing network monitoring and management with respect to a certain module, the CPU of the master module may transfer an access right of the user I/O interface to the certain module by closing or opening switches installed in the master modules enabling the certain module to receive the access signal from the user I/O interface by closing a switch thereof.

Abstract: A group wiring patching device which has built-in light emitting device and filtering device coupled with wire pair receptacle thereof. When a testing voltage is applied to the circuit of the light emitting device, the light emitting device will emit light for assisting wire pair identification. The filtering device can minimize or even eliminate loop back shorting resulted by the circuit of the connected light emitting when communication signals or low voltage signals being applied thereto. Therefore, the group wiring patching device of the present invention will be able to perform ordinary signal transmitting functions without the need to remove the light emitting device after the wire pair identification process is done.

Abstract: A telephone line testing device for use with a PABX having a plurality of input lines. The testing device includes test circuitry, a first connecting means for connection to a telephone line of a telephone system, a second connecting means for connection to a desired input line of the PABX, a first switch means for connecting either the PABX input line or the test circuitry to the telephone line. The test circuitry includes a test signal generating means for generating a test signal, a ringing signal detection means for detecting the presence of a ringing signal on the telephone line, and a second switch means which is responsive to the ringing signal detection means for automatically supplying a test signal generated by the test signal generating means to the telephone system when the test circuitry is connected to the telephone line by the first switch means and a ringing signal is desired.

Abstract: An automated system coordinates, controls and polices installation of customer premise equipment (CPE) for telecommunications services and provides continuing service assurance. The system verifies equipment availability on service request, schedules a qualified technician to install the CPE, and assigns distribution equipment resources to the CPE. The system notifies the technician of the installation date. The equipment resources are auto-assigned to the CPE to facilitate installation procedures. The system also auto-detects installation of the CPE and auto-enables service when the CPE is installed. Customer record creation and maintenance is automatic, and installation or operation of unauthorized equipment is inhibited. Post-installation monitoring and automatic scheduling of repair for system or equipment faults ensures continuing service assurance. The advantage is reduced service delivery time, reduced operations costs and increased customer satisfaction.

Abstract: An apparatus that integrates a plurality of disparate systems. a common control interface is presented to a user of the apparatus. The user employs an inputting device to enter data required by the plurality of disparate systems. The inputted data is inputted to the common interface. The data is then transferred from the common control interface to at least one of the plurality of disparate systems.

Abstract: A test application allows configuration of test parameters and launches a voice processing engine and a timing object. The voice processing engine outputs data to the timing object. The timing object receives data, regularly removes data, and tracks the amount of data remaining in the timing object. The timing object reports an underflow if there is no data in the timing object and the voice processing engine has not signaled end of processing.

Abstract: A test harness tests an element management system (EMS) via a network management system (NMS) interface for compliance with a particular interface standard. The test harness may be used by a party other than a vendor of the EMS to verify compliance of the EMS to the particular interface standard, such as Q.834.4.

Abstract: A simulator for simulating the performance of an intelligent is described. The simulator includes. a module for simulating any IN-typical event sequences (traffic simulator) according to the rules of traffic theory, and a module for the event-oriented simulation of the service control point (SCP simulator) using process models, The simulator also includes. an arrangement for exchanging data between the modules; an arrangement entering and storing the network configuration, communication service specification, and other simulation parameters, and for transferring them to the correct modules; and an arrangement outputting and/or storing the simulated data. Modules are also provided for simulating the SS7 signaling system, taking into account the functionalities of service relay points SRP and overload protection mechanisms within the IN. The simulation modules communicate in a file mode using transfer files or are linked in an online mode by a shared organization program: the online simulator.

Abstract: A method for testing one or more OSSs of an ILEC includes performing one or more actions associated with preparation of a test plan for testing one or more elements of the ILEC OSSs, performing one or more actions associated with implementation of a test plan in testing one or more of the ILEC OSS elements, evaluating the performance of the one or more ILEC OSS elements according to the testing, and generating one or more test results according to the evaluation, each test result corresponding to a particular ILEC OSS element tested.

Abstract: Methods are provided for metrics-related testing of one or more operational support systems (OSSs) of an incumbent provider for compliance with a regulatory scheme, the method performed by an independent testing entity attempting to emulate a competitive provider that would access the OSSs in attempting to compete with the incumbent provider in an open competitive market. Each method includes an active testing phase in which one or more OSSs are tested. Performance of the incumbent provider during active testing is evaluated according to predetermined evaluation criteria. Test results are generated according to the evaluation and a final report is issued. The final report includes the test results and provides a sufficient basis for a regulatory entity administering the regulatory scheme to determine compliance of the incumbent provider with the regulatory scheme.

Abstract: A data path evaluation system and method is described wherein the data path can be a voice signal path and the reference signal can contain white gaussian noise.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, according to which, tasks arriving from a switching facility (12) or from another location are accepted by a terminal (14), in particular, in the framework of a call distribution. A change of the occupancy state of the terminal (14) is effected upon the attainment and falling below of a predetermined number of tasks to be simultaneously processed. The change is noted in the switching facility (12) and in the terminal (14). The flawless execution of the change of the occupancy state is automatically monitored by a program located on the side of the terminal (14).

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 phone configuration 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: A method for checking a switching center is explained, whereby reference data are checked in the memory of the switching center. On the basis of status data, a processor determines the operational status of programs, which utilize the reference data (step 408). The corresponding reference datum is read for this purpose (steps 410, 416). If the reference datum has a value that is not admissible for the determined operational status, an error treatment is performed (steps 412, 414).

Abstract: A method for testing one or more OSSs of an ILEC includes performing one or more actions associated with preparation of a test plan for testing one or more elements of the ILEC OSSs, performing one or more actions associated with implementation of a test plan in testing one or more of the ILEC OSS elements, evaluating the performance of the one or more ILEC OSS elements according to the testing, and generating one or more test results according to the evaluation, each test result corresponding to a particular ILEC OSS element tested.

Abstract: A Service Level Management system is provided. A notification of a service level problem within a combination packet-switching and circuit-switching hybrid network is received by the system. The service level agreement is retrieved and the problem is checked against the agreement to determine if the agreement has been met. The notification of the problem is prioritized with a second notification of a second service level problem based on a number of times the agreement has not been met. Next, a resolution for the service level problem within the hybrid network is determined. The resolution may include a status report, resolution notification, problem reports, service reconfiguration, trouble notification, service level agreement violations, and/or outage notification. The progress of the implementation of the resolution is tracked. Finally, the hybrid network is managed based on the future predicted behavior of the network.

Abstract: An apparatus that provides a redundant path for providing service using existing or original equipment when failure or degradation of performance of new equipment is detected in a communication network. A controller module monitors the performance of new equipment used to provide improved services to service provider customers. When a failure in the new equipment is detected, the controller module outputs a control signal to switch processing from the new equipment to the existing equipment that is still available for use. In addition, processing may be switched from the new equipment to the existing equipment when the controller detects degradation in the performance of the new equipment so that loss of service is prevented. Therefore, the existing equipment acts as a redundant path for processing.

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 method for measuring network performance parity includes the steps of computing a call completion ratio for at least one network provider, and determining whether the call completion ratio passes a first test. These steps may further include computing a first call completion ratio for a first network provider, a second call completion ratio for a second network provider, a difference between the first call completion ratio and the second call completion ratio, and a variance for the difference. The method also includes the step of assessing whether a second test is determinate if the call completion ratio does not pass the first test, by determining whether the variance is greater than a variance cutoff. In addition, the method includes the step of assessing whether a call completion ratio passes the second test, if the second test is determinate, by determining whether the difference is greater than a threshold.

Abstract: Metallic testing of a subscriber loop that provides voice and DSL services is provided by a voice switch and DSL services, each of which includes a metallic test unit. A voice line card has a connection to a first metallic test bus connected to the voice switch metallic test unit via a first relay set configured to connect the metallic test bus to the subscriber loop and to disconnect the subscriber loop from the line card during testing. The DSL line card has a connection to a second metallic test bus, which is also connected to the DSLAM metallic test unit, and to the subscriber loop. A second set of relays control the connection of the metallic test bus to the line card to the subscriber loop. A signal is sent from either metallic test unit to cause the relays to change to provide a clear path for metallic testing from DC to light.

Abstract: A system and method for accessing a number of communication lines by one or more testing devices are disclosed. Each of the communications lines is coupled through the system and includes a first termination at a first telecommunications termination site and a second termination at a second telecommunications termination site. The system includes a number of line access devices, each of which is coupled to at least one of the communication lines terminating at the first telecommunications termination site and at least one of the communication lines terminating at the second telecommunications termination site. One or more monitoring busses are defined by a number of relays, one or more of which is coupled to one of the line access devices. A test device interface, which is selectively coupled to the bus, provides bi-directional connectivity between the selected communication line and a selected testing device coupled thereto.

Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with the present invention test a network element in a telecommunications network using a universal command, such as a telephone number or circuit identification number. By doing so, the network element can be easily identified along with the type of service provided by the network element and the appropriate test system can be identified and used without requiring the user to have detailed system-specific knowledge of the test system. Methods and systems consistent with the invention provide an interface to a user. A universal command is received, typically as a telephone number or a circuit identification number. Using the universal command, the type of service associated with the network element is determined and a test system for testing the service type of the network element is identified. A test request is formatted based upon the universal command, the service type to be tested, and the particular test system to be used to test the network element.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting radio network trends in a telecommunications network. A data mining tool (52) is provided and adapted to search through the various operations and maintenance database systems belonging to one or more communications network(s) (60). The data mining tool searches through the databases to find correlations and dependencies among the parameters of the data collected and stored in the database systems. The correlations and dependencies found are then reported for further analysis which can, in turn, be used in optimization, maintenance and trouble shooting of the network.

Abstract: A communications system includes a switch having communications resources such as cards containing multiple devices, each containing multiple ports. The switch also contains an administrative agent that maintains hierarchical state information for each resource within the switch. The state information allows for precise and consistent administration of interrelated communications resources within the switch.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for managing a software system based on analysis of call center trouble ticket data. The apparatus and method include and involve a data storage subsystem that has a database for storing data related to call center trouble tickets which are generated in response to corresponding trouble reports related to a software system. Also included and involved is a processor that is coupled to the data storage subsystem and which is operative to process the data stored in the database by producing statistics related to the software system and particular subsystems thereof, and to store the generated statistics in the data storage subsystem. The apparatus and method also include and involve an output subsystem that is coupled to the processor and to the data storage system and which is operative to automatically retrieve the statistics from the data storage subsystem to generate at least one report based on the statistics.

Abstract: A client simulator for simulating client behavior in groups or individuals to telephone services in a test system for testing telephone services between subscribers in a PSTN and clients in a distributed information network, for example, the Internet (IP Network), prior to availability of the telephone services to the subscribers and clients. A processor is coupled to a TCP/IP data network linked to the PSTN via a System Control Point (SCP) and the IP Network via an application server. A storage means is coupled to the processor through input/output registers and includes stored instruction for a parent process and a pool of client processes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring call setup time is presented. A first device in a network sends a signal to a second device. The first device monitors for a response from the second device and adjusts an answer tone setting for the second device based on the response. After which, the first device calculates an elapsed time between sending the signal and a receipt of the response.

Abstract: An error reporting system in a communication system of the type that includes a PBX (10) and a monitoring system (20) that forwards internally detected errors from the PBX to a customer service center (28). A trouble ticket server (30) is coupled via a switch contact (40) to the monitoring system and is programmed to close the switch contact in an event a user reported error message is received. Upon detecting the contact closure, the monitoring system forwards an external alarm message to the customer service center. Alternatively, the trouble ticket server may be connected to the monitoring system via a serial communication link (52) that forwards a description of the user reported error to the monitoring system. The monitoring system may direct the PBX to run one or more diagnostic tests and forward the results of the tests to the customer service center along with the description of the user reported error.

Abstract: According to this invention, a digital key telephone system connected to an analog public network NW having a function of transmitting a ringing signal including identification information of a calling line through a subscriber line (CO line), accommodating a plurality of extension lines each connected to a digital key telephone (DKT) 2 or a standard telephone (STT) 4 as an extension terminal, and having a function of switching and connecting the subscriber line to the plurality of extension lines or the extension lines to each other includes a called party storage means storing, in advance, information representing the correlation between the calling line and the extension terminals 2 and 4 as a called terminal. When a ringing signal arrives from the analog communication network NW, calling line identification information (caller ID) contained in the ringing signal is detected by a calling line identification information interface unit (RCIU) 12.

Abstract: The invention is a test system that gives the user a single point of control to generate calls and run tests on a switching system for use in a communications network. The test system is capable of generating calls through a tandem switching system without using a local access switch. The test system is operationally coupled to the switching system by a signaling link and a call connection. The test system receives a first user request to generate a call. The test system transfers signaling to the switching system over the signaling link to cause the switching system to extend the call connection. The test system receives a second user request to run a test, and applies the test to the call connection. In some embodiments, the test system includes a web server that interfaces with a web browser operated by the user. The web server transfers information for screen displays to the web browser. The web server collects user requests from the web browser to generate calls and run tests.

Abstract: A line circuit for serving a digital telephone set over a link of indeterminate length and attenuation characteristics includes a processor for issuing test messages over the link to the telephone set and which responds to the receipt of an acknowledgment message from the telephone set by inserting increasing amounts of finite attenuation into the link until the acknowledgment message fails to be received, at which point the value of inserted attenuation is a measure of the excess link margin.

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: A method and apparatus for testing network elements within a communications system. A test is initiated at a data processing system located at a first site by the selection of one or more network elements for testing. In initiating the test, a communications link is established between the data processing system located at the first site and a network element located at a second site. The network element is monitored during testing of the network element using the communications link. The information is displayed on the data processing system in the form of a web page. Monitoring of the network element is paused from the data processing system in response to detecting an error originating from the network element. Monitoring of the network element is restarted from the data processing system in response to a correction of the error.

Abstract: A method of testing telecommunication facilities first records a real communication between at least two telecommunication facilities. The recorded real communication is then analyzed, and from the results of the analysis a test case is generated. The test case is then used to test one of the telecommunication facilities and the test results are evaluated. The method may be incorporated as part of a test generator.

Abstract: Disclosed is an advertising method using a public telephone and a system for providing free or discounted call service according to watching of an advertisement. A public telephone, a relay server, a communication line provider, an advertiser server and an Internet information server are connected through a communication network together. The relay server receives advertisement information from the advertiser server or the Internet information server and displays advertisement information through a display device of the public telephone for advertisement. The public telephone periodically downloads renewed advertisement information from the relay server to renew it. A user is benefited by free-call or discounted-call service depending on seeing and hearing of an advertisement over a given number. The multifunctional public telephone, which is installed at an unspecified location and displays advertisements, provides advertising effect of a high level for a low price to advertisers.