Abstract: A configuration test set is used for testing a configuration of a tie pair. A first line is configured to connect to a first pin-input of a first connector that connects to the tie pair under test. A second line is configured to connect to a second pin-input of the first connector that connects to the tie pair under test. At least one indicator indicates when voltage is applied to the tie pair under test via the first line and applied to the second line via the tie pair under test.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting a supported signal path for a transceiver in a communication system is provided. An exemplary embodiment of the apparatus includes a relay for selecting a first test signal path from a first signal path and a second signal path. A signal detector coupled to the relay may be used to determine whether a specified signal type is present on the first test signal path. A relay controller causes the relay to select a second test signal path from the first signal path and the second signal path in response to the signal detector determining that the specified signal type is not present on the first test signal path.

Abstract: A conditioner unit is wired in parallel with a pair gain test controller used to test a digital loop carrier telephone network. The conditioner unit senses a signal intended to request test results from the pair gain test controller and provides a response signal which indicates that the pair gain test controller performed a successful test, even though the pair gain test controller was not activated. This allows testing of the network without use of a bypass pair or the need to interface the digital loop carrier network with the pair gain test controller.