Abstract: In accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, there are provided apparatus, systems and methods for detecting a boundary condition via common mode diagnostics; and to apparatus, systems and methods for detecting a fault condition via common-mode rejection ratio diagnostics. For example, in one embodiment such means include, means for injecting a common mode signal probe onto a first end of a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL line); means for measuring impedance of the common mode signal probe on the DSL line at the first end of the DSL line; means for detecting an impedance anomaly on the DSL line based on the measured impedance of the common mode signal probe; and means for correlating the impedance anomaly on the DSL line to a boundary condition on the DSL line.

Abstract: Methods and systems for twisted pair telephone line diagnostics based on patterns of line data occurring over time. An observed data distribution is classified as periodic or based on modeled distributions previously determined to correspond to a known line activity, fault type, or fault location. A disruption or parameter value pattern is classified through statistical inference of operational and performance data collected from the line. Where the disruption and/or parameter value(s) correlate with a time the customer is at the customer premises, an inference is made that the line fault causing the disruption is more likely at the CPE than at the Central Office. Where the disruption distribution is classified as being a result of human activities initiated on the line, a fault condition associated with the activity is inferred. Where a disruption pattern is correlated with human initiated plain old telephone service (POTS), a micro-filter problem is inferred for the line.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, there are provided apparatus, systems and methods for detecting a boundary condition via common mode diagnostics; and to apparatus, systems and methods for detecting a fault condition via common-mode rejection ratio diagnostics. For example, in one embodiment such means include, means for injecting a common mode signal probe onto a first end of a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL line); means for measuring impedance of the common mode signal probe on the DSL line at the first end of the DSL line; means for detecting an impedance anomaly on the DSL line based on the measured impedance of the common mode signal probe; and means for correlating the impedance anomaly on the DSL line to a boundary condition on the DSL line.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method (45) for identification (53, 73) of an impairment (59) within a telecommunication line (13), the method (45) comprising determining (49) first measurement data (Hlog) that characterize a transfer function of the telecommunication line (13). In order to provide a method (45) for identification of an impairment (59) within the telecommunication line (13) that can be applied on the telecommunication line (13) without interrupting the operation of the line (13) and that can easily be implemented in connection with existing system such as existing DSL systems, it is suggested that the method (45) further comprise determining (55) at least one periodicity interval (?f1, ?f2) of oscillations of the transfer function and that the impairment (59) be identified depending on said determining (55).

Abstract: Fiber to the user (“FTTU’), fiber to the curb (“FTTC”), fiber to the node (“FTTN”), and fiber to the premise (“FTTP”) platforms (referred to herein as “FTTx”), require plain old telephony service (“POTS”) emulation using voice over IP (“VoIP”) signaling and bearer channels. Such a POTS emulation service requires emulation of existing fault isolation mechanisms in POTS and also must be extended to the topologies in the VoIP environment. The present invention is adapted to provide POTS emulation using existing fault isolation mechanisms in POTS and also provides POTS emulation for topologies in VoIP environments in the scope of FTTx.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a first diagnostic test on a first class of service on a network link during a current measurement period, performing at least one further diagnostic test on a second class of service on the network link during the current measurement period, determining whether an alert was present during a previous measurement period and generating a current failure alert based on results of the first and the at least one further diagnostic tests if an alert was present during the previous measurement period.

Abstract: An end-to-end test and diagnostic manager and a method of diagnosing service problems in a multi-domain, multi-service network are provided. A database receives and stores service and network inventory data identifying and describing the customer and the network components necessary to deliver a service to the customer over a multi-domain network. An interface for displaying service information to an operator and for receiving commands from an operator is also provided. A plurality of test tools for testing operational status and verifying the configuration of components necessary to deliver the service to the customer. An application server is configured to execute instructions for invoking the test tools. The results of the test are displayed for the operator via the interface.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for estimating line insertion loss of a customer transmission line at a frequency (f1) or a plurality of frequencies. Values of line insertion loss for at least two reference transmission lines are pre-measured at each frequency and stored in a memory. A calibration quantity representing an amplitude of a far-end Time Domain Reflectometer (TDR) reflection is also measured for each of the reference transmission lines. The pre-measured line insertion loss of each reference transmission line is then calibrated by the calibration quantities of the reference transmission lines. The calibration quantity for the customer transmission line is then measured, and an estimate of the line insertion loss at each frequency for the customer transmission line is generated based on the calibrated line insertion losses of the reference transmission lines and the measured calibration quantity of the customer transmission line.

Abstract: Methods, techniques and apparatus identify members and characteristics of binders and/or other groups of communication lines such as those in a DSL system. Information obtained includes the identification (for example, by scanning) of significant crosstalking “offenders” and their “victims” that are affected by the crosstalk. One or a small number of modems are instructed to transmit with preselected transmit spectra, after which evidence of crosstalk in the noise spectrum data is examined for potential victim lines. Direct evidence of noise spectrum contribution by a suspected offender line may be obtained by collecting reported noise spectrum data and/or estimated noise spectrum data from potential victim lines. Also, where such direct evidence is not available, or in addition to it, other operational data showing crosstalk interference relating to potential victim lines can be used. The transmitting modem can either be on the CO/RT side or on the CPE side.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to methods, systems, user devices and computer program products for providing network status information. Methods include receiving alarm data for an event from a plurality of sources. The alarm data includes a plurality of alarm records each including a site identifier. The alarm data is processed to create report data. The processing includes assigning an attribute of failed to each of the site identifiers that are specified in more than a threshold number of the alarm records. The report data comprises at least digital loop carrier information. The report data is transmitted to a mechanized loop test (MLT) testing system capable of generating MLT test results. The MLT test results are used to adjust the digital loop carrier information included in the report data, wherein the digital loop carrier information specifies a quantity of digital carrier loop lines that are out of service.

Abstract: A system and method for imputing data into a database includes an imputing system operable to impute data based on outside plant construction principles. The imputing system includes an inventory database, a data engine, a search engine, and a loop engine. The inventory database includes a plurality of distribution records each associated with one or more cable pairs. The data engine determines if a desired distribution record corresponding to a desired cable pair includes missing data. The search engine searches a known class of serving terminals for complete distribution records and iteratively searches a sized binder group within the inventory database for one or more complete distribution records where the size of the binder group searched increases with each iterative search. The loop engine determines an imputed value for the desired distribution record based on the searching and imputes the value into the desired distribution record.

Abstract: Through the use of a least squares minimization concept, the loop length, the number of bridged taps and length of the bridged taps on a transmission line can be determined from readily available modem data. In particular, the loop length, the number of bridge taps and the length of bridged taps can be estimated by comparing a measured frequency domain channel impulse response of the transmission line to a model of a loop that is comprised of multiple sections and multiple bridge taps.

Abstract: Through the use of a least squares minimization concept, the loop length, the number of bridged taps and length of the bridged taps on a transmission line can be determined from readily available modem data. In particular, the loop length, the number of bridge taps and the length of bridged taps can be estimated by comparing a measured frequency domain channel impulse response of the transmission line to a model of a loop that is comprised of multiple sections and multiple bridge taps.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering digital subscriber line (DSL) service to a subscriber from a remote terminal of a telephone network. Included is a first route for delivering a telephone signal to the subscriber, and a second route for passing the telephone signal through a DSL system before delivering the signal to the subscriber. A disrupter is then used to selectively activate either the first or second route.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing loop analysis are described. Some embodiments are directed to determining loop characteristics such as loop gauge, loop termination, and straight-loop departure. One embodiment includes a method for performing loop length estimation which comprises receiving an un-calibrated echo signal for a loop under test using frequency domain reflectometry single-ended line testing (FDR-SELT), a region associated with the loop under test, and a platform type. The method comprises classifying the loop under test and outputting a loop length estimate based on the classification of the loop under test and based on one of a ripple-period approach and a template-matching approach.

Abstract: A system for delivering broadband service, including standard telephone service and telephone/DSL service, to a subscriber. The system includes a pair gain system and a service distribution system. In some embodiments, the service distribution system is located such that the standard telephone service and telephone/DSL service are routed from the service distribution system without being routed through a cross-connect system. In other embodiments, the functionality of a cross-connect system is incorporated into the service distribution system. The service distribution systems include terminating modules and switching modules. In some embodiments, the switching modules include protector plugs that protect the system from over-voltages and/or over-currents, and provides upstream and downstream diagnostic testing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to characterize a digital subscriber line (DSL) subscriber loop are disclosed. An example method comprises selecting a portion of a search space based on a measured transfer function response, the search space defining a plurality of combinations of transmission line parameters, and identifying a characterizing parameter of a digital subscriber line (DSL) subscriber loop from the selected portion of the search space, the characterizing parameter having an associated transfer function that substantially corresponds with the measured transfer function response.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering digital subscriber line (DSL) service to a subscriber from a remote terminal of a telephone network. Included is a first route for delivering a telephone signal to the subscriber, and a second route for passing the telephone signal through a DSL system before delivering the signal to the subscriber. A disrupter is then used to selectively activate either the first or second route.

Abstract: The present invention provides a digital loop carrier (“DLC”) information system that provides information for use in a central office. The DLC information system includes four related databases. A DLC system database provides information about DLC systems, a multiplexer database provides information about multiplexers associated with the DLC systems, an equipment location database provides information about the location of the DLC systems and a test pair database provides information about the test pairs used to test the DLC systems. The information in each of the databases is related using the system identifiers for the DLC systems.

Abstract: Methods and systems for proactively maintaining Digital Loop Carriers and a telephone system local loop. One embodiment for proactively maintaining a Digital Loop Carrier in a telephone system local loop includes communicating with a communications network and acquiring status information associated with the Digital Loop Carrier. Proactive maintenance is predicted based upon the status information. The status information may be weighted. The status information may also be combined with information from a Dynamic Network Analyzer and information from a Loop Facilities and Control System. The embodiment may also generate and dispatch work order information describing the predicted proactive maintenance. A further embodiment includes communicating with a communications network and acquiring at least one of customer information associated with copper line pairs, service information associated with copper line pairs, and status information associated with a Digital Loop Carrier.

Abstract: Whether or not protection circuitry for a span-powered remote digital subscriber loop unit is properly connected to earth ground is determined by the deliberate assertion and detection of a ground fault from a central office line card location. The span-powered remote unit is augmented to place a controllable conduction path in circuit with the span-powered loop and an earth ground pin. If the earth ground pin has been properly connected to earth ground, applying the conductive path will place a ground fault on the span, which is detected by a ground fault detector within the central office line card. If the ground fault detector does not detect a ground fault in response to the application of the conductive path, the line card forwards a negative ground fault event message to a test center, so that a service technician may be dispatched to the remote unit to correct the problem.

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: A system and method for delivering digital subscriber line (DSL) service to a subscriber from a remote terminal of a telephone network. Included is a first route for delivering a telephone signal to the subscriber, and a second route for passing the telephone signal through a DSL system before delivering the signal to the subscriber. A disruptor is then used to selectively activate either the first or second route.

Abstract: To optimize the performance of DSL modems in the same cable bundle, the size and position of the bandwidth used for transmission is intelligently selected when the bit rate necessary for making the transmission is less than the total available bandwidth. By intelligently selecting a minimum number of subcarriers for Digital Multi-tone (DMT) signal transmission, a reduction in line driver power consumption is effectuated. Additionally, by intelligently selecting the position of the used bandwidth within the total available bandwidth, near-end crosstalk (NEXT) noise within the cable bundle may be minimized.

Abstract: A communication device transmits very low frequency signals in order to help diagnose the cause of a communication problem in a DSL communication system. The communication problem may be, for example, the inability of a remote data transceiver unit (DTU-R) to successfully train-up with a central data transceiver unit (DTU-C). The very low frequency signals may be used to communicate the status or settings of the remote transceiver unit to the DTU-C, to download settings parameters or executable code to the DTU-R, or to coordinate the transmission of testing signals.

Abstract: A system and method for imputing data into a database includes an imputing system operable to impute data based on outside plant construction principles. The imputing system includes an inventory database, a data engine, a search engine, and a loop engine. The inventory database includes a plurality of distribution records each associated with one or more cable pairs. The data engine determines if a desired distribution record corresponding to a desired cable pair includes missing data. The search engine searches a known class of serving terminals for complete distribution records and iteratively searches a sized binder group within the inventory database for one or more complete distribution records where the size of the binder group searched increases with each iterative search. The loop engine determines an imputed value for the desired distribution record based on the searching and imputes the value into the desired distribution record.

Abstract: Methods and systems for proactively maintaining Digital Loop Carriers and a telephone system local loop. One embodiment for proactively maintaining a Digital Loop Carrier in a telephone system local loop includes communicating with a communications network and acquiring status information associated with the Digital Loop Carrier. Proactive maintenance is predicted based upon the status information. The status information may be weighted. The status information may also be combined with information from a Dynamic Network Analyzer and information from a Loop Facilities and Control System. The embodiment may also generate and dispatch work order information describing the predicted proactive maintenance. A further embodiment includes communicating with a communications network and acquiring at least one of customer information associated with copper line pairs, service information associated with copper line pairs, and status information associated with a Digital Loop Carrier.

Abstract: A digital subscriber loop line card-installed mechanism conducts parametric measurements on the wireline to which the line card is connected, and adjusts taps of an echo cancellation operator in accordance with the response of the wireline to an electrical stimulus imparted to the wireline. The echo canceler tap coefficients are then processed to determine the location of a fault, such as a short circuit, open-circuit and the like, on the wireline. Fault information measurement data is then reported to a supervisory control location, which dispatches the appropriate technician to resolve the cause of the problem.

Abstract: Whether or not protection circuitry for a span-powered remote digital subscriber loop unit is properly connected to earth ground is determined by the deliberate assertion and detection of a ground fault from a central office line card location. The span-powered remote unit is augmented to place a controllable conduction path in circuit with the span-powered loop and an earth ground pin. If the earth ground pin has been properly connected to earth ground, applying the conductive path will place a ground fault on the span, which is detected by a ground fault detector within the central office line card. If the ground fault detector does not detect a ground fault in response to the application of the conductive path, the line card forwards a negative ground fault event message to a test center, so that a service technician may be dispatched to the remote unit to correct the problem.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a new device or service can be treated as an abstraction, allowing a model to be created which mimics operation of the device or service, but which does not physically exist. A communication system may then take physical assets that are distributed around a network, such as circuit packs with ports on them, and virtually plug them into a shelf that does not physically exist. A legacy system preferably continues to function as it always has and the abstraction mediates between the legacy operations support systems, the virtual machine and the physical reality. This then allows for the continued use of existing operation systems to manage new network architectures with services different from those originally contemplated by the legacy operations support systems.

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

Abstract: A subscriber's data circuit between channel bank and the customer premises carries fractional T1 bandwidth on a digital subscriber line (DSL) circuit. For example, for an ISDN rate digital subscriber line (IDSL), the circuit between the network termination at the customer premises and a D4 channel bank carries data on two combined B-channels. Such a circuit also carries a D-channel and an embedded operations channel (EOC), in normal ISDN fashion. A data service using such a line circuit, however, only transports the data (combined B-channels) through the network. The D-channel and the EOC are not carried through the network. To facilitate testing of the subscriber's circuit, the carrier operations and testing facilities transmit loop-back commands or the like in band to the channel bank. A command may be addressed to any active node along the subscriber's DSL circuit.

Abstract: A modem structure for connection to a line carrying both DSL signals and CTS signals, and a method of operation thereof, are provided. The modem structure includes a DSL modem connectable through a filter to remove the CTS frequencies on said line, and connected to network port. A diagnostic device is connected to the DSL modem to diagnose problems stored with the DSL modem. An analog modem is also provided that is connectable to said wire through a filter that filters out DSL signals on the line, and selectively connectable to said diagnostic device to read information in the diagnostic device and transmit the readings, In operation, the network port is continuously connected to DSL signals to operate network devices at high frequency, and said diagnostic device is selectively connected to the CTS device for diagnostic purposes using low frequency signals.

Abstract: Loop qualification systems and methods involve evaluating Loop Make-Up (LMU) data to determine whether loops qualify for certain services, such as ADSL service or other digital services. The LMU data includes such information as whether the loop is comprised of copper, fiber, is a DLC, the length, resist zone, carrier zone, loading factor, the existence of a DAML, and taper code information. The loop qualification systems and methods obtain LMU data on existing loops and also information on loops that have not yet been completed. Network service providers (NSPs) interface with the loop qualification systems to determine whether certain lines are qualified for a service. The loop qualification systems also include web-based interfaces to allow both the NSPs and end users to make an inquiry as to the capability of a given loop.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for testing connection of customer premise equipment to a trunk, comprising a user interface for receiving user commands from a remote location, memory registers for storing indications of trunk type and status, and a controller for initiating automatic trunk tests responsive to the user commands and in response storing the indications of trunk type and status in the memory registers and outputting the indications to said the interface.

Abstract: The loop length, the number of bridge taps and the length of the bridged taps can be estimated by comparing through the use of differential evolution a measured frequency domain channel impulse response of the transmission line to a model of a transmission line that is composed of multiple sections and multiple bridge taps. The diagnostic and test information describing the condition of the line can then be exchanged, for example, by two transceivers during a diagnostic link mode, or the like.

Abstract: A single ended, frequency domain reflectometry signal processing based scheme measures loop loss of a telecommunications wireline. A distortion-corrected, normalized data array is differentially combined with an associated set of wireline noise spectrum values. The resulting noise margin data is processed by a Shannon Theorem operator, to produce a set of N frequency bins, each containing the number of bits which the link will support for a respective tone. The bit contents of the bins represent a composite bit rate that is available for use for ADSL signalling.

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: A method and system for automatically testing E911 systems using digital loop carrier trunks in a laboratory. A testbed running a testing program evaluates the functionality of a digital loop carrier trunk, a channel unit pair, and an E911 switch by measuring a delay and duration of an acknowledgement pulse from the E911 switch in response to an off-hook condition at a simulated PBX. The testbed and testing program also evaluate the functionality of the E911 switch and a simulated PSAP by measuring a delay and duration of a ring signal from the E911 switch in response to an emergency signal sent by the simulated PBX. Once connection between the simulated PBX and the simulated PSAP has been established, the end-to-end signal loss is also measured.

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: Line states are detected accurately to efficiently test subscriber lines, thereby improving the reliability and quality of maintenance and operation. Line monitoring means monitors line states based on at least one of loop information of lines and status information of bearer channels. Subscriber line testing means conducts subscriber line testing in accordance with the line states.

Abstract: A method determines a structure of a subscriber line. The method includes searching a reference set for a match between the subscriber line and a model line of the reference set and identifying that the subscriber line has a specific physical structure. The match is based on electrical properties of the lines. The act of identifying is responsive to finding a match with one of the model lines that has the specific physical structure.

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

Abstract: This apparatus for testing an asymmetric digital subscriber line includes, arranged in a case, a low-frequency signal generator which generator is adapted to be connected to an input terminal block of an access multiplexer of a telephone exchange and which generator is adapted to inject into the latter a signal simulating the presence of a telephone line, an amplifier linked to a speaker and intended to be connected to an output terminal block of the said multiplexer and intended to retrieve and amplify the signal transmitted by the generator to an audible level, and a modem intended to be connected to the said output terminal block to test a modem of the access multiplexer by checking synchronization between these modems.

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 communication device transmits very low frequency signals in order to help diagnose the cause of a communication problem in a DS L communication system. The communication problem may be, for example, the inability of a remote data transceiver unit (DTU-R) to successfully train-up with a central data transceiver unit (DTU-C). The very low frequency signals may be used to communicate the status or settings of the remote transceiver unit to the DTU-C, to download settings parameters or executable code to the DTU-R, or to coordinate the transmission of testing signals.

Abstract: A system in accordance With the principles of the present invention employs a loop field test to predict the data rate capability of at least one loop other than the one tested. A local telephone loop is selected for field testing that includes wideband noise testing and signal frequency testing. This reference loop is characterized in response to the results of the field tests and the characterization is used to predict the data handling capability of other similar loops. In an illustrative embodiment one loop Within each binder group terminated at a telephone office is selected as a reference loop and the data rate capability of the other loops Within the binder group are predicted, based on the characterization of the reference loop.

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: A method for providing automatic restoration of network access for user lines within a communication system. The user lines interface with groups of transmission lines that include dedicated transmission lines which are connected to the user lines, idle transmission lines and reserved transmission lines. The method includes steps for making a number of transmission lines among the groups of transmission lines available for user lines which have a dedicated transmission line in a group of transmission lines that fails and for coupling each of such user lines to a respective available transmission line. The method may also include steps for delaying the coupling of such user lines if a sufficient number of transmission lines are not available.