Abstract: A method and system for use in a central office (CO) having network elements for communicating information between a central office technician (COT) stationed within the CO and network element monitoring personnel or monitoring center stationed remote from the CO. A local area network (LAN) having a hub stationed remote from the CO and a fiber communication line connected to the hub is provided. The fiber communication line has one end extending to the hub and the other end extending within the central office. The hub is operable for communicating with network element monitoring personnel stationed remote from the CO. A node transceiver is coupled to the other end of the fiber communication line within the central office. A wireless transceiver is operable with the node transceiver for providing a communication link between a COT stationed within the CO and the network element monitoring personnel stationed remote from the CO via the local area network.

Abstract: Echo plugs are plugged into the hands-free jacks of wireless telephones to facilitate testing. One echo plug has a pin and a circuit. The pin is physically compatible with the hands-free jack of a wireless telephone. The pin has a speaker connection and a microphone connection. The circuit couples the speaker connection to the microphone connection. In operation, this echo plug receives a signal from the speaker connection of the hands-free jack and transfers the signal to the microphone connection of the hands-free jack. Another echo plug has two pins and a circuit. The pins are physically compatible with the hands-free jack of a wireless telephone. The first pin has a speaker connection, and the second pin has a microphone connection. The circuit couples the speaker connection of the first pin to the microphone connection of the second pin.

Abstract: A test set includes at least one signal input port, a test circuitry, a processor, a user-input device, and a display. The test circuitry couples to and receives signals from the at least one signal input port. The test circuitry then generates test data corresponding to the received signals. The processor couples to and receives test data from the test circuitry and generates test results. The processor also couples to and receives commands from the user-input device. The processor further operatively couples to the graphical display that receives and displays the test results from the processor. In one embodiment, the test set is capable of performing line qualification and connectivity testing. A modem module can be used to facilitate connectivity testing. The modem module can be a plug-in module with a common interface to the test set. The modem module can also contain a fingerprint value that identifies the module type and the software revision number to the test set.

Abstract: A method and system for collecting test data at a customer premises site. A computer receives a customer-specific input record that defines test measurements to be taken at the customer premises site. The computer then directs a test meter to take the designated measurements and receives the measured values form the test meter. In turn, the computer provides a customer-specific output report, which indicates the measured values taken at the customer premises site. The method and system facilitates better control over the taking and reporting of signal quality measurements.

Abstract: A characteristic of a local loop is used to estimate the loop's data carrying capacity. The characteristic is measured and applied to a table previously stored in memory which contains values relating the characteristic to downstream data rates. Using interpolation when required, an estimate of the data carrying capacity of the local loop is estimated based on the measured characteristic. The measured characteristic may be, for example, the input impedance or the DC resistance of the local loop.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and system for verifying an installation of an meter, for example, an electric power meter. The inventive method includes identifying the electric power meter to a central computer using a mobile computing device. The electric power meter receives computer-executable instructions from the central computer via the mobile computing device, and transmits meter information (e.g., power consumption readings, meter identification information, and meter location) to the central computer. The meter information received from the central computer is compared with meter information available at the electric power meter. The comparison may be accomplished visually by reading the meter and comparing the readings with the information received on the mobile computing device. Also, the comparison may be accomplished automatically by the mobile computing device based on the information it receives from the central computer and the information it receives from the electric power meter.

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: A clamp device includes a clamp body comprising a clamp head, a stationary holding part extending downwardly from one end of the clamping head, and a driving handle pivotally installed on one side of the clamping head, and an telephone and network cable test device, comprising a main test set and a secondary test set that is installed in a chamber formed on one end of the main test set, wherein the main test set has a case consisting of a first half and a second half, and the first half and the second half cover the stationary holding part of the clamp body, and wherein a front end of the case of the main test set is fixed on the stationary holding part for integrating the telephone and network cable test device with the clamp body.

Abstract: A telephone test set including a telephone tester portion and a volt-ohm meter portion attached to the telephone tester portion.

Abstract: Telephone test sets include a telephone test set housing and at least one lead that extends away from the telephone test set housing. The lead is configured to be coupled to a telephone line. A light source, a data port and/or a display are integrated with the telephone test set housing. The light source is configured to project light away from the telephone test set to illuminate an area adjacent the telephone test set. The data port is configured to receive a data jack operatively associated with a communications device. The display is configured to display identification information associated with the telephone line. Related methods and systems are also provided.

Abstract: A modular test instrument comprises a base unit and one of a selection of application modules, neither being capable of performing end-user functions without the other. When physically assembled to one another, the base unit and application module comprise a structurally unitary device specialized for performance of application-specific end-user functions.

Abstract: A system and method for verifying the integrity of a DSL circuit on a shared telephone line. The invention uses the amplitude modulation principles to overcome the difficulty associated with a blocking capacitor that isolates a DSLAM on the DSL circuit from the rest of the shared telephone line. A transmitter of the invention mixes a high frequency carrier signal and a low frequency audio signal to produce an amplitude-modulated test signal. The amplitude modulated signal is supplied to the telephone line at a main distributing frame side of the blocking capacitor and is detected by a receiver at the DSLAM side of the blocking capacitor.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for recreating radio frequency (RF) conditions of a cellular network extracts significant RF effects from field test data, and recreates variable RF attenuation using a multi-channel attenuator. A field data processor converts the field test data to time-varying attenuator control values for each channel of the multi-channel attenuator. Accordingly, a mobile in the lab which is connected to the multi-channel attenuator sees the same carrier and interference levels that were observed in the field environment, allowing cellular communication equipment testing without repeated field testing.

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: A line pair testing and fault diagnostic apparatus implementing three-terminal measurement techniques using a multiple frequency source waveform transmission to propagate a reflected waveform. The apparatus implements a microcomputer circuit executing a program. The program has frequency domain analysis algorithms to process the reflected waveform to provide a craftsperson with the electrical characteristic data of a line pair to inform the craftsperson the existence of a line pair fault and the location of the fault in the line pair. The apparatus implements relays for switching between several diagnostics circuits within the apparatus for providing the craftsperson with numerous methods and techniques for troubleshooting a line pair.

Abstract: A digital communication interface for downloading software for upgrading the functionality of a telephone craftsperson's butt-in test set is configured to be powered externally by respectively different voltages ported from the host computer and the test set. Digital communication connectivity for software upgrade signals sourced from the host computer for delivery to the control processor of the test set, and for communication signals sourced from the test set for delivery to the host computer, is effected by a pair of opto-isolators which provide signal integrity isolation between the respectively different parameters of the host computer and the test set.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for determining faults in a telephone line. The apparatus has an enclosure housing a switch. The switch is for electrically communicating with a ring wire of a telephone line, with a tip wire of the telephone line, and with an electrical ground. The switch selectively permits electrical communication between any two of the ring wire, the tip wire, and the ground. The apparatus improves testing of the telephone line by helping identify an electrically open condition in the telephone line.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for locating trouble in a telecommunications network. One method communicates signals from a central office along a local loop. The local loop comprises a ring wire and a tip wire. Voltage polarity between the ring wire and the tip wire is reversed, causing a customer's wiring to be isolated from the local loop. A test of the local loop may then be remotely performed to determine whether trouble exists in the local loop.

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: The invention presented herein is directed to a battery injection and loop supervision (BILS) system and method that can be used in the DSL environment. The BILS of the present invention provides battery injection, loop supervision, and butt set operation mode detection in the DSL environment. A voltage source, detector and comparator in the BILS unit can be used to supervise the copper loop status from the central office. In addition, using the present invention, a field technician using a conventional butt set can detect battery voltage and receive an audible tone from the cooper loops in the DSL environment. Furthermore, the BILS can be implemented in accordance with two preferred embodiments, voltage sensing and current sensing. The BILS includes circuitry, working in conjunction with a shared common resource card and a conventional butt set, for testing, maintaining, and installing copper loops in the DSL environment.

Abstract: A method for testing various types of devices or systems employs a modular test instrument comprising a base unit and one of a selection of application modules, neither being capable of performing end-user functions without the other. When physically assembled to one another, the base unit and application module comprise a structurally unitary device specialized for performance of application-specific end-user functions. The base unit is generic to all types of test to be provided, and comprises a display, a power supply, a user interface, and generic software to operate the display and user interface. Each application module is connected to the base unit in the same manner, so that the same base unit can be employed with a wide variety of application modules. The application modules can be readily and conveniently removed from and assembled to the base unit.

Abstract: A multi-unit test system performs automated and dynamically alterable, double-ended testing of telephone lines, whose service is provided on copper cable pairs. A prescribed set of (e.g., twelve) individual tests are executed either from a hand-held measurement unit, or by a central office-resident direct access test unit, or by a collaboration of the two. The hand-held measurement unit and the direct access test unit exchange FSK-based test control messages with one another that are effective to cause a selected electrical condition to be applied to a first portion of the wireline and to cause a prescribed electrical measurement to be made at a second portion of the wireline.

Abstract: A method is provided, the method comprising testing at least one hot-pluggable peripheral hardware device and a computer system by simulating hot-plugging the at least one hot-pluggable peripheral hardware device using a test fixture inserted between the computer system and the at least one hot-pluggable peripheral hardware device. The method also comprises monitoring at least one effect of testing the at least one hot-pluggable peripheral hardware device and the computer system.

Abstract: A signal acquisition device captures signals from a telecommunication line such as a local loop. The captured signals are spectrally analyzed using a signal-processing unit. The output of the signal-processing unit—in the form of a test spectrum—is provided to a signal identification system. The signal identification system comprises at least one of a plurality of spectra of known signals stored as templates. Using a matching algorithm, the spectrum of the test signal (unknown signal) is correlated with spectra of at least two known signals. The unknown signal is determined to be the same type as that of the known signal with whose spectrum the unknown signal produces the largest absolute correlation score. Alternatively, an unknown signals is determined to be that of a known signal if a correlation of both signals results in a score the absolute value of which is greater or equal to a predetermined threshold level.

Abstract: A self-diagnostic system for a checking all functions of a cellular-transceiver system having a cellular-interface unit, which interface unit couples a standard telephone set to a cellular transceiver, which interface unit converts the DTMF or pulse-type of dialing signals into digital format for transmission to the cellular transceiver, whereby the dialed number made on the land-type of telephone may be used to call a number over the cellular system. The present invention not only monitors and checks the proper functioning of the transceiver and associated power supply, and the like, but will also monitor and check the interface unit, and report the results to an off-site monitoring center by means of the cellular network.

Abstract: A test device for internet and telephone lines is provided. The test device includes: a main test set having a stretched casing in which a first circuit board is installed, wherein an internet plug and an internet receiving socket are soldered on the first circuit board and a connecting portion is located on one end of the main test set, the internet plug being formed on the connecting portion; and a secondary test tool having a stretched casing in which a second circuit board is installed, wherein an internet plug and an internet receiving socket are soldered on the second circuit board and a recessed connecting portion is located on one end of the secondary test tool, the internet receiving socket being formed on the recessed connecting portion.

Abstract: A clamp device includes a clamp body comprising a clamp head, a stationary holding part extending downwardly from one end of the clamping head, and a driving handle pivotally installed on one side of the clamping head, and an telephone and network cable test device, comprising a main test set and a secondary test set that is installed in a chamber formed on one end of the main test set, wherein the main test set has a case consisting of a first half and a second half, and the first half and the second half cover the stationary holding part of the clamp body, and wherein a front end of the case of the main test set is fixed on the stationary holding part for integrating the telephone and network cable test device with the clamp body.

Abstract: A data protector for telephony test equipment, comprising a relay for selectively connecting the telephony test equipment to a telecommunication line, and electronic circuitry. The electronic circuitry includes a detector portion adapted for detecting signals within a continuous band of frequencies present on the telecommunication line, and a microcontroller. The microcontroller has a frequency counter function for determining whether data is present on the telecommunication line, a relay connect control function for selectively controlling the relay to connect the telephony test equipment to the telecommunication line, and an alert operator function for producing a signal if the detected frequency is above a predetermined threshold.

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: Circuits for testing POTS service on a shared POTS/xDSL carrier include microfilters for selective coupling to the subscriber loop side of an xDSL filter associated with a subscriber line interface circuit. Such configurations facilitate testing of the POTS service using an insertion point that is between the xDSL filter and the subscriber loop in a manner that is transparent to subscribers.

Abstract: Telecommunications conductor wire pair test circuits are provided. The test circuits include a switch electrically coupled to the wire pair. The switch has a first position in which the test circuit provides an open circuit across the wires of the wire pair and a second position in which the test circuit is detectable across the wires of the wire pair. An energy storage cell is electrically coupled across the wires of the wire pair so as to charge the energy storage cell when the switch is in the second position. The switch is powered by the energy storage cell. An energy monitor circuit is electrically coupled to the energy storage cell which detects an energy level of the energy storage cell. A switch control circuit switches the switch from the first position to the second position responsive to the energy monitor circuit. In other embodiments, the switch is a relay and the energy monitor circuit is optionally included. Methods are also provided using the test circuit.

Abstract: A portable, automated telephone line test device includes a test module which applies test signals to a telephone line to be tested and detects electrical characteristics of the telephone line, and a user interface module. The user interface module includes a microprocessor, a display, a keyboard and a program memory in accordance with a standard microcomputer architecture. The processor of the user interface module is programmed to control the test module to perform a pre-programmed sequence of tests. The display provides indications of the tests being performed. The programmed sequence is varied by the device according to test results. Depending on the results obtained, the device also provides interpretative diagnostic messages and instructs the user to carry out additional test procedures.

Abstract: A modular test instrument comprises a base unit and one of a selection of application modules, neither being capable of performing end-user functions without the other. When physically assembled to one another, the base unit and application module comprise a structurally unitary device specialized for performance of application-specific end-user functions. The base unit is generic to all types of test to be provided, and comprises a display, a power supply, a user interface, and generic software to operate the display and user interface. Each application module is connected to the base unit in the same manner, so that the same base unit can he employed with a wide variety of application modules. The application modules can be readily and conveniently removed from and assembled to the base unit.

Abstract: An RF test set having a concurrent measurement architecture is provided. The RF test set is adapted for testing an RF communications device such as a cellular phone according to a set of RF tests. An RF source and an RF receiver are used to communicate with the cellular phone in order to perform the call processing operations to control the cellular phone while performing parametric measurements according to the RF tests. Concurrent measurements allow operation of concurrent measurement processes and call processing operations to take place in the RF test set in order to decrease the time required for each RF test and to increase measurement throughput of the RF test set.

Abstract: A system and method for testing a telephone connection using an interactive telephone response module (ITRM). In one embodiment, the ITRM is connected between the handset and station set of a telephone terminating one end of the connection to be tested. In another embodiment, the ITRM is connected between the telephone connection and the station set of a telephone terminating one end of the connection to be tested. By operating switches on the ITRM, a user can impose predetermined conditions on the connection. A test coordinator located at a test point or other termination in the telephone network then tests the connection under the predetermined conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing telephone equipment for longitudinal balance. A signal generating circuit places a test signal at a certain frequency on the tip and ring wires of a telephone line. The telephone line is monitored and the signals on the tip and ring wires are measured and compared against each other. The frequency is gradually increased in set increments until the test frequency is in the megahertz range.

Abstract: A data protector for telephony test equipment, comprising a relay for selectively connecting the telephony test equipment to a telecommunication line, and electronic circuitry. The electronic circuitry includes a detector portion adapted for detecting signals within a continuous band of frequencies present on the telecommunication line, and a microcontroller. The microcontroller has a frequency counter function for determining whether data is present on the telecommunication line, a relay connect control function for selectively controlling the relay to connect the telephony test equipment to the telecommunication line, and an alert operator function for producing a signal if the detected frequency is above a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A modular telecommunication test system is presented including a portable computer system and at least one portable telecommunication test module located external to the computer system. The portable computer system stores a telecommunication test application (e.g., in a memory system). Each test module includes a communication port having an electrical connector, and is thus adapted for coupling to the portable computer system. Each test module also includes electrical circuitry for performing a set of telecommunication tests, wherein each test involves making at least one electrical measurement upon a telecommunication service installation. In coupling a given test module to the portable computer system, a user configures the test system to perform the set of telecommunication tests associated with the given test module. The at least one test module is selected from a group of test modules, each configured to perform telecommunication tests upon a different type of telecommunication service installation.

Abstract: A characteristic of a local loop is used to estimate the loop's data carrying capacity. The characteristic is measured and applied to a table previously stored in memory which contains values relating the characteristic to downstream data rates. Using interpolation when required, an estimate of the data carrying capacity of the local loop is estimated based on the measured characteristic. The measured characteristic may be, for example, the input impedance or the DC resistance of the local loop.

Abstract: A data protective system for voice-band telecom test sets is disclosed. The voice-band telecom test set includes a measurement system that can make a determination of a minimum period from an information stream on a telephone line. The test set also includes a first circuit for determining a transmission technology from the minimum period and a second circuit for selectively connecting the test set to the telephone line in response to the determination of the transmission technology.

Abstract: A portable, automated telephone line test device includes a test module which applies test signals to a telephone line to be tested and detects electrical characteristics of the telephone line, and a user interface module. The user interface module includes a microprocessor, a display, a keyboard and a program memory in accordance with a standard microcomputer architecture. The processor of the user interface module is programmed to control the test module to perform a pre-programmed sequence of tests. The display provides indications of the tests being performed. The programmed sequence is varied by the device according to test results. Depending on the results obtained, the device also provides interpretative diagnostic messages and instructs the user to carry out additional test procedures.

Abstract: An apparatus communicates a diagnostic device with a telecommunications service source, or alternatively with a telecommunications service subscriber device, through a remote network unit. The apparatus includes a test plug structure receivable in operative engagement with a panel of over-voltage protection receptacles in the remote network unit. The apparatus further includes an engagement structure which connects the test plug structure with the diagnostic device in a plurality of selectable alternative conditions. These include a first condition in which the engagement structure communicates the diagnostic device with the service source through the test plug structure, and a second condition in which the engagement structure communicates the diagnostic device alternatively with the subscriber device through the test plug structure.

Abstract: A telephonic apparatus comprises terminals for connecting it to respective electric cables, telephonic circuitry, and a switch between the terminals and the circuitry. It also includes a sensor for detecting a DC voltage above a first level between said terminals. It the sensor detects a DC voltage between said terminals above the first level, it prevents the switch from connecting the circuitry between the terminals.

Abstract: A modular test instrument comprises a base unit and one of a selection of application modules, neither being capable of performing end-user functions without the other. When physically assembled to one another, the base unit and application module comprise a structurally unitary device specialized for performance of application-specific end-user functions.

Abstract: An electrical signal measurement device comprises a system unit which is carried on the person of a technician by attachment to a belt, harness or the like and, in one embodiment, a headpiece incorporating a display, microphone and ear phone. The display, microphone and ear phone are linked to the system unit and supported by software, including a speech recognition system, running on a central processing unit (CPU) which is part of the system unit. In operation, the technician connects a probe to a test point in the cable system, and the technician operates the device by speaking into the microphone. The speech recognition system responds to the technician's spoken words to direct and navigate through a displayed user interface in order to operate the signal level meter measurement functions. Synthesized speech signals are generated to provide user feedback and messages. A signal introduced at the probe is sampled and digitized by the CPU and then formatted for display by the headpiece mounted display.

Abstract: A modular test instrument comprises a base unit and one of a selection of application modules, neither being capable of performing end-user functions without the other. When physically assembled to one another, the base unit and application module comprise a structurally unitary device specialized for performance of application-specific end-user functions. The base unit is generic to all types of test to be provided, and comprises a display, a power supply, a user interface, and generic software to operate the display and user interface. Each application module is connected to the base unit in the same manner, so that the same base unit can be employed with a wide variety of application modules. The application modules can be readily and conveniently removed from and assembled to the base unit.

Abstract: A centralized test apparatus is provided for a telecommunications network which includes local switches and a core network. Each local switch is connected through terminating lines to terminating equipment such as telephone handsets. The test apparatus enables a field engineer to obtain the identity of a terminating line from one of the local switches. When a field engineer dials the number of the test apparatus, the test apparatus retrieves the calling line identity on answering the call. It then transmits the calling line identity in speech form back to the calling line. After transmitting the calling line identity, the test apparatus offers a menu of further services which comprise a ring back service and the provision of a test tone on a specified telephone line.

Abstract: A system and method for testing a telephone connection using an interactive telephone response module (ITRM). In one embodiment, the ITRM is connected between the handset and station set of a telephone terminating one end of the connection to be tested. In another embodiment, the ITRM is connected between the telephone connection and the station set of a telephone terminating one end of the connection to be tested. By operating switches on the ITRM, a user can impose predetermined conditions on the connection. A test coordinator located at a test point or other termination in the telephone network then tests the connection under the predetermined conditions.

Abstract: A telephone line measurement circuit is disclosed for detecting a variation of a characteristic between a first and a second leads of a telephone line. The circuit comprises a first circuit having a first and a second inputs and an output. The circuit also has a second circuit having a first and a second inputs and an output. The first input of the first circuit and the second input of the second circuit are coupled to the first lead of the telephone line and the second input of the first circuit and the first input of the second circuit are coupled to the second lead of the telephone line. The outputs of the first and the second circuits are then coupled together to provide an output for the measurement circuit.

Abstract: An in-line data protector for preventing a test set from accessing a telephone line under a predetermined condition is disclosed. The in-line data protector selectively connects the test set and the telephone line responsive to detection of a data signal on the telephone line. The in-line data protector includes a power circuit for providing general operating power, a processor connected to the telephone line, and a relay serially connected between the telephone line and the test set. When general operating power is received, the processor analyzes the telephone line by emulating a single band filter. By using a single band filter, a very good determination can be made as to whether a signal on the telephone line is a data signal or a voice signal. If the signal is not a data signal, the processor instructs the relay to close, thereby connecting the telephone line to the test set.