Abstract: A splitter unit including a chassis containing splitter cards. The splitter unit includes a central processing unit mounting location. The splitter unit also includes test access devices that are inactive when the central processing unit mounting location is vacant. The splitter unit is configured such that the splitter cards provide passive signal splitting even when the central processing unit mounting location is vacant.

Abstract: A splitter unit including a chassis containing splitter cards. The splitter unit includes a central processing unit mounting location. The splitter unit also includes test access devices that are inactive when the central processing unit mounting location is vacant. The splitter unit is configured such that the splitter cards provide passive signal splitting even when the central processing unit mounting location is vacant.

Abstract: Method for user-aided communication evaluation and performance and for producing a quality report regarding a communication connection entails signaling of a services provider by a first endpoint user in real-time entails establishing a first communication link between the first endpoint user and a second endpoint user. A second communication link between the first end point user and the services provider is determined. The methods continue by analyzing of the first and second communication links for quality by the services provider and generating statistics based on the analysis for quality in the connection. The methods can conclude by producing a quality report using those statistics. The quality report can initiate an immediate response in real-time or can be stored for a later response.

Abstract: In a combination of a transceiver cabinet housing a plurality of transceivers and one or more DECON boards for supporting said transceivers, and a cable for connecting one or more of said transceivers through a selected DECON board to selected control and radio interfaces, a first end of the cable is connected to the selected DECON board, and the second end of the cable is split into and includes multiple discrete portions, each discrete portion being associated with one particular transceiver supported by the selected DECON board such that each discrete portion, and thus one particular transceiver, can be connected to a particular RTT board of a control and radio interfaces.

Abstract: The location of high resistance ground faults within buried co-axial power cables can be detected by transmitting a combined signal along the cable at a primary frequency of 0.718 Hz and a primary amplitude in the order of 4,500 volts peak to peak. This combined signal also has an interlocked secondary frequency of 11,780 Hz superimposed on the primary frequency. The ratio between the reactive impedance and resistive impedance is such as to create a condition where the 0.718 Hz primary frequency's single source caused resistive current is usually larger than the sum or total of all that cable's per foot of length's 0.718 Hz reactive currents. This condition then enables the detection of the resistive ground faults by a manually transported Receiver. When needed the effective resistance and/or capacitance of the cable can be increased by a remote end connection circuit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing bridge tap detection are described. One embodiment is a method which comprises receiving an echo signal for a loop under test where the echo signal is a per-port calibrated echo response obtained using frequency domain reflectometry single-ended line testing (FDR-SELT). The method further comprises analyzing the echo signal to determine whether differentiating features are present in the per-port calibrated echo signal in order to determine whether the loop under test is a bridge tapped loop.

Abstract: An earphone antenna includes an audio signal transmission path formed by connecting a first shield wire of a coaxial cable to a ground, connecting a central conductor of the coaxial cable to a pair of first signal lines of an earphone cable via a capacitor which exhibits high impedance in a frequency range of audio signals and low impedance in a frequency range of high frequency signals, and connecting a second signal line and a grounding wire, respectively, to the pair of first signal lines via a high frequency choke which exhibits low impedance in the frequency range of audio signals and high impedance in the frequency range of high frequency signals. Connecting the second shield wire to the ground causes formation of a sleeve antenna by the earphone cable and the second shield wire.

Abstract: The invention discloses an access apparatus and method for digital subscriber line test. The apparatus includes: one or more distributed access matrix control modules, one or more distributed access matrixes; and a power converter module. The distributed access matrix control module is connected to a test module and at least one of the one or more distributed access matrixes which is under the control of the distributed access matrix control module, and is configured to send a test task initiated by the test module to the at least one distributed access matrix and report a message from the at least one distributed access matrix to the test module. The distributed access matrix is configured to connect a tested subscriber in accordance with the test task and report an access success message to the distributed access matrix control module.

Abstract: Methods of generating coding errors on a communication line include changing a phase and/or an amplitude of a communication signal on the communication line. An apparatus for generating coding errors on a communication line including first and second parallel conductors includes a modulator configured to change a phase and/or an amplitude of a communication signal on the communication line in response to a control signal, and an oscillator configured to generate the control signal.

Abstract: A method for testing subscriber loop conditions includes receiving test signal data from a test signal provider, receiving a request for transmitting a test signal described by the test signal data, and transmitting the test signal over a communication channel. The test signal may correspond to a pre-qualification test signal, a qualification test signal, or an in-service test signal. Test results may be transmitted to the test signal provider or to some other designated recipient.

Abstract: A method of validating connection data for a node of a telephone network involves processing a report file for terminal pairs at a network node. The records in the report file are divided into three categories in dependence on the nature of the information in each record. A network status database is then updated with the report data category by category. Circuit IDs in the network status database that are deleted by updating in respect of records belonging to other then the last processed category are recorded against a record in the network status database corresponding to a record in the last processed category. Circuit IDs in the network status database that are deleted by updating in respect of last-processed category records are logged to provide a list of circuit IDs for which further investigation is required.

Abstract: A system and method for conducting variable VPA testing is disclosed. The method includes provisions to detect or measure the utilization of a trunk line and use that information to establish a level of VPA testing for that trunk line. Although a wide variety of relationships between the utilization and the amount of VPA testing conducted can be used, the relationship is preferably a generally inverse relationship, in which the amount of VPA testing conducted on a particular trunk is reduced as traffic or utilization of the trunk increases. Conversely, as traffic or utilization of the trunk deceases, the amount of testing conducted on the trunk increases.

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: Provided are an apparatus and method for testing call processing performance and conformance of a media gateway controller and a media gateway with respect to a media gateway control (MEGACO) protocol. The method includes generating a predetermined scenario regarding a test of call processing performance of a media gateway controller or a media gateway; selecting a function of the media gateway controller or the media gateway and emulating virtual analog lines between the media gateway controller and the media gateway according to the scenario; and testing the call processing performance of the media gateway controller or the media gateway using the virtual analog lines and the selected media gateway controller or the media gateway. Accordingly, it is possible to effectively test the call processing performance of the media gateway controller or a media gateway without test equipment.

Abstract: An optical submarine communication system has a land cable connected to a terminal apparatus which is installed on land near the seashore for transmitting an optical signal and electric power. The land cable is connected to an optical submarine cable through a beach manhole, and a repeater is connected to the optical submarine cable. The optical submarine communication system has a surge suppressor provided on the land cable, whereby a surge generated from the terminal apparatus side because of a lightning stroke or an insulation failure is suppressed and prevented from reaching and damaging the repeater.

Abstract: A system for testing and monitoring the operation of telephone systems uses a call trace method for capturing messages associated with a phone call. The system can provide an indication as to the time a particular triggering signaling message (e.g., IAM or RLC message) was detected on a link. The present system assembles SS7 signaling messages in real-time. Time stamps are employed in triggers to identify past messages stored in a buffer that are related to the phone call.

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

Abstract: A method and system for qualifying telephone lines for high speed data services. The system takes measurements on a line under test and matches those measurements to a model of a line. The model of the line is used to predict whether the line will support data services at a particular level. If the model of the line includes a service affecting condition that is removable from the line, a new model is created reflecting the line as it would appear with the service affecting condition removed. The new model is then used to predict performance. If the required performance level is predicted based on the new model, the line is categorized as a line that can not support the required level of data services, but could if repaired. In this way, an accurate and useful prediction of line performance is provided.

Abstract: The method assesses the suitability of customer telephone lines (12, 13, 14) for data transmission. The method includes selecting a telephone line having tip and ring wires by means of a computer (30) and switch (15), and electrically connecting the tip and ring wires together at a test access (29) adjacent one end of the selected line to produce a common mode configuration. Single-ended electrical measurements are performed on the wires in the common mode configuration by a measurement unit (27) connected to the test access (29) to determine an electrical property of the wires from the measurements.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing objects to one or more subscribers. The system/method allows an administrator to create a distribution by allowing the administrator to select one or more objects for distribution to the subscriber(s). Once the distribution is defined, the distribution can be used any number of times and be sent to any number of subscribers without having to re-define or modify the distribution. Advantageously, the system/method automatically determines the objects that are associated with the objects selected for distribution by the administrator and automatically distributes the selected objects together with the objects that are associated with the selected objects.

Abstract: In order to achieve augmentation of the accuracy in calculation of noise and augmentation of the accuracy in a noise check which is performed, for example, when an electronic circuit is designed and further realize significant reduction of the time required for a noise check and augmentation of the operation efficiency by reduction of the man-hours of a designer in a noise analysis, a noise checking apparatus includes a model production section (3) for producing a simulation model of a circuit portion relating to a noticed wiring line, a simulation section (4) for performing a simulation using the simulation model to calculate a signal waveform which propagates in the noticed wiring line and calculate a noise waveform superposed on the signal waveform for each kind of noise, a noise waveform synthesis section (5) for synthesizing the signal waveform and the noise waveforms with generation timings of the noise waveforms taken into consideration to obtain a noise composite waveform, and a noise checking section

Abstract: A method for testing subscriber loop conditions includes receiving test signal data from a test signal provider, receiving a request for transmitting a test signal described by the test signal data, and transmitting the test signal over a subscriber loop. The test signal may correspond to a pre-qualification test signal, a qualification test signal, or an in-service test signal. Test results may be transmitted to the test signal provider or to some other designated.

Abstract: Customer services terminal input connected between telephone exchange and outputs. Interface circuits provide service between input and outputs Test means applies test conditions to interface circuits and/or to outputs associated with the interface circuits, and/or to ring/tip pairs associated with interface circuits, and/or to telephone lines associated with interface circuits Other interface circuits service input to other outputs Test means analog-to-digital converter includes reference input, analog measuring input, ground potential input, and test output Normally de-energized calibration relay has normally-closed switches and normally-open switches. Normally-closed switch connects reference voltage to reference input. Another normally-closed switch connects analog measuring input to test means generated voltage.

Abstract: A telecommunications system includes a telephone exchange and a customer services terminal whose input is connected to the telephone exchange, and whose plural outputs are individually connected to one of a plurality of telephone lines. A plurality of interface circuits within the customer services terminal are individually connected intermediate the input and one of the plural outputs. Self-test means provides for the testing of selected interface circuits. Loop-test means provides for the testing of selected telephone lines. A self-test relay is responsive to the self-test means and operates to disconnect the selected outputs from corresponding telephone lines as self-test conditions are applied to selected interface circuits as these interface circuits are disconnected from the selected telephone lines. The loop test means applies loop-test conditions to selected interface circuits, while the selected interface circuits and the corresponding outputs remain connected to the corresponding telephone lines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed. The method includes one or more of the following: compiling statistical models of physical layers of a communications system; creating a priori distributions of cross-talk transfer functions; storing the models and the a priori distribution in a storage medium; and using the models and the a priori distributions to diagnose probable causes of events detected in said communications system.

Abstract: A telecommunications system includes a customer services terminal that is connected intermediate a telephone exchange and a user location that has a plurality of telephone lines. The customer services terminal and/or the telephone lines are tested by providing a web server within the customer services terminal. The web server includes a graphic user interface that enables the selection of self-test to be applied to selected portions of the customer services terminal, and/or enables the selection of loop test to be applied to selected ones of the plurality of telephone lines. Selected self-tests are applied to selected portions of the customer services terminal, and/or selected loop-tests are applied to selected ones of the plurality of telephone lines, as a remainder of the customer services terminal and/or a remainder of the plurality of telephone lines remain operative to supply telecommunications services to the user-location.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for debugging xDSL line cards. An electrical connection is established by means of a test bus, between a line port to be tested and a testing line port which can be operated in the upstream and downstream direction with the same bandwidth. The testing line port is charged with a software which simulates a subscriber-side modem, and the successful establishment of a connection between the line ports represents a function confirmation for the line port to be tested.

Abstract: Methods and systems for proactively maintaining a telephone system local loop. One embodiment includes communicating with a communications network and acquiring information associated with pressure or flow sensors along fiber optic cables. Proactive maintenance of the fiber optic cables is predicted using the information associated with pressure or flow sensors. The embodiment may further include generating and dispatching work order information describing the predicted proactive maintenance. The embodiment may also include predicting proactive maintenance of telephone lines using information from a Dynamic Network Analyzer and using information from a Loop Facilities and Control System. Another embodiment includes a system for predicting proactive maintenance of a telephone system local loop. This embodiment includes a Pressure Alarms and Reports System Module, a database stored in memory, and a processor.

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 line card or other telephone or communications interface provided with a ringing SLIC outputs relatively high voltage, such as in excess of about 90 volts, and/or relatively high current such as in excess of about 20 milliamps during normal use, but decreases the voltage or current of a ringing signal or other signal upon occurrence of a tip and/or ring line fault or other abnormal condition. The abnormal condition is detected by measuring voltage and/or current on the tip line and/or ring line. In response to an excess voltage or current, the ringing current or other output current is reduced to achieve desired safety and/or compliance with standards.

Abstract: The present invention provides for intelligent and efficient line testing by allowing a test control entity, such as an operational support system (OSS), to obtain information bearing on testing telephony lines. The information to be obtained relates to the structure or operation of the switching device. Preferably, the information obtained includes suggestions of which lines to test using test heads associated with the switching device. The suggestions may include a list of number that can be tested concurrently. Such suggestions may assist the OSS in providing instructions to the test heads to avoid line contention during testing, testing lines that are in use, or any number of scenarios potentially detrimental to efficient line testing. The information or suggestions may be obtained from an element manager or like entity having information about a particular switching device, or may be obtained directly from the switching device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a resistive fault in an electrical conductor is presented. The apparatus of the invention includes an oscillating signal generator that applies an oscillating signal to the electrical conductor under test. The apparatus includes a measuring device for measuring the potential between the electrical conductor under test and a reference node. Such measurements are obtained both when the apparatus is disconnected from the electrical conductor under test and when the apparatus is connected to the electrical conductor under test. A difference in the measurements indicates that the connectivity of the electrical conductor is intact, whereas no difference indicates that a resistive fault exists somewhere in the electrical conductor. For greater accuracy, the longitudinal balance of the disconnected apparatus and connected apparatus measurements are calculated to determine connectivity.

Abstract: In order to identify a teleservice during the setting up of a connection in a telephone network (PSTN) from a calling point (TXA) to a target subscriber (TNB), a signal recognition device (22) is temporarily applied to the requested connection on the basis of the call request (20) in a switching center of the network, preferably in a target switching center (VSB) associated with the target subscriber, said signal recognition device being sufficient at least for emitting a service call signal indicating a teleservice, via the calling point (TXA). When a service call signal is received (23) by the signal recognition device, said signal is evaluated in terms of the service indicated, and the connection (24-26) is further treated according to the service thus indicated.

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

Abstract: A method 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: A method, apparatus and computer program product are disclosed to enable independent verification of service level agreement between two parties. In one embodiment, a first party contracts the hosting service of a second party to provide said first party with Web page and services on second party's equipment. Said contract contains a Service Level Agreement specifying performance parameters and guarantees for the response time experienced by users of said Web page and services. Independent verification by a third party of said agreement is done for a fee through several steps. In a first step, said third party inserts measuring and reporting instructions into blocks of information maintained on the server of said second party. The measuring instructions are for delivery to the client with the blocks of information. The delivery of the instructions occurs responsive to a request for the information by the client. Once they are delivered, the instructions are executed by the client.

Abstract: A frequency domain reflectometry-based bridged tap detection system for a telecommunication wireline employs a prescribed filtering operator, such as a ‘best-fit’ curve filter or a piecewise high pass filter bank, upstream of a Fourier processing operator, to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the digitized amplitude array of the swept frequency band. To fit the response tones within the dynamic range of the analog-to-digital converter that digitizes the response tones detected from the wireline, a signal conditioning circuit, comprised of a comb filter bank, envelope detector and compander, is installed between the test head and the input to the analog-to-digital converter.

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 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: Telephone equipment, such as a private branch exchange (PBX) is provided according to an implementation of the present invention. The telephone equipment includes one or more trunk interface cards. The trunk interface cards are configurable by software to operate with ground-start or loop-start trunks. According to the present invention, the trunk interface cards are controllable by software to determine which type of trunk they are connected to and to determine if the connected central office provides for far-end disconnection indication.

Abstract: A subscriber loop test apparatus relates to the testing of a subscriber loop by the use of a touchtone telephone. The touchstone buttons on a telephone provide Dual-Tone, Multiple Frequencies for each key pressed. For example, referring to FIG. 1, pressing the ‘3’ key causes tones at 697 and 1477 Hz to be sent across the telephone line. Pressing a sequence of keys provides discrete coverage of the frequency band from 697 to 1477 Hz, through the use of the touchtone telephone. The frequency band from 697 to 1477 Hz can be characterized in this fashion. Information about the line: loop loss (loop length), presence of bridge taps (i.e., excessively long bridge taps in particular) or loading coils, and the presence of Digital Loop Carriers (DLCs), et cetera. The use of the switch-hook flash provides the ability to determine the channel (impulse) response of the loop, including any noise and hum that may be on the loop due to imbalance or coupled interference.

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: Single ended line probing techniques for determining if a telephone line qualifies for digital subscriber line service are disclosed.

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

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a remotely actuated splitter bypass function (RASB) working in conjunction with a test head at the central office for testing and maintaining copper loops in the digital subscriber line environment. The RASB allows a competitive local exchange carrier to test and maintain the xDSL portion of the copper loop with minimal interference and disturbance to/from the plain old telephone system (POTS) service by bypassing the central office splitter. The splitter bypass operation includes the steps of selecting a copper loop pair for testing, actuating a first relay for monitor mode, actuating a second relay for bypass mode, testing the selected copper loop, and resetting the first and second relays back to normal mode. By applying positive and negative voltages from the tip and ring with respect to ground, various relays can be set (actuated) and reset to provide multiple modes of operations.