Abstract: The method of synchronizing data frames between 5G baseband processing stations by a global position system (GPS)-integrated local oscillator block control, including the following steps: step 1: synchronize the baseband processor's local oscillator block with the GPS's 1 pps (pulse per second) pulse and generate a 10 ms (millisecond) pulse from the local oscillator; step 2: use the 10 ms synchronous pulse sync monitor block to get the sync offset between this pulse and the GPS 1 pps pulse; step 3: use the control algorithm to reconfigure the local oscillator so that the 10 ms synchronous pulse can follow the 1 pps GPS pulse.

Abstract: Each user of a telecommunications system may speak and record their own name, in their own voice, and a recording of their spoken name may subsequently be accessed by or delivered to other users of the system, thereby facilitating communication between users by enabling users to better know how to pronounce the names of other users. A user may listen to the recorded spoken name of another user before placing a call to another user. When a user joins a conference call, their spoken name may be announced to other users (attendees) already in the call. A user joining a conference call may listen to the recorded spoken names of attendees in the call. A button on users' phones may invoke these features.

Abstract: A modem or associated computing or testing device is configured to detect the presence of one or more faults that affect DSL communications, and upon their detection, generate, for example, an indication, communication or message that recommends corrective action. In this context, a fault is generally caused by one or more unfiltered devices, impulsive noises, malfunctioning modems, or other factor that does not affect measured attenuation or measured noise, but does affect the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the link. In addition to being able to generate a message guiding a user through corrective action, the system can estimate the rate impact of the detected fault.

Abstract: One embodiment is a method for performing 2-wire line imbalance measurements. The method comprises receiving a probe signal and based on the probe signal, determining one of more of: an estimated transverse conversion loss (TCL) coupling transfer function and an estimated transverse conversion transfer loss (TCTL) coupling transfer function.

Abstract: A modem or associated computing or testing device is configured to detect the presence of one or more faults that affect DSL communications, and upon their detection, generate, for example, an indication, communication or message that recommends corrective action. In this context, a fault is generally caused by one or more unfiltered devices, impulsive noises, malfunctioning modems, or other factor that does not affect measured attenuation or measured noise, but does affect the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the link. In addition to being able to generate a message guiding a user through corrective action, the system can estimate the rate impact of the detected fault.

Abstract: Systems and methods can provide for preventing a false alarm generated during a planned network outage during a maintenance window. Security systems can generate and report alarms to a security center through a communications network. Intruders are known to disable the communication network thereby preventing reporting of an alarm to the security center. Security systems can generate local alarms upon detecting loss of the communications network. It is advantageous for a communications network operator to prevent false alarm generation during periods of planned network outages.

Abstract: A probing signal transmitted on a twisted pair telephone line in a DSL system is reflected and received at a DSL device. An estimate of one of a DSL data transmission signal or DSL synch symbol transmission signal is removed from the received probing signal to recover the reflected probing signal. The recovered reflected probing signal is processed to determine characteristics information of the twisted pair telephone line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for crosstalk channel estimation based on a measured signal-to-noise (SNR) of a loaded line. The method for channel estimation includes: loading, on a newly added line K, a combination of K-1 signals sent on lines 1 to K-1; obtaining a measured SNR of the line K loaded with the combination of the K-1 signals sent on the lines 1 to K-1; and calculating crosstalk channels of the line K according to K-1 coefficients of the K-1 signals sent on the lines 1 to K-1 and the measured SNR. Embodiments of the present invention may be used for relevant network communications systems such as xDSL systems.

Abstract: A system, method, and Soft Switch for maintaining a current user dial plan in an Access Gateway. When an H.248 control link is established between the Access Gateway and the Soft Switch, the Soft Switch downloads the current dial plan to the Access Gateway. The downloaded information includes termination IDs and Directory Numbers/Subscriber Numbers, DN/SNBs, for all of the users connected to the Access Gateway. Whenever the Soft Switch receives changes to the dial plan, the Soft Switch updates the user dial plan in the Access Gateway.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting crossover faults in a telecommunications access network having a plurality of access lines. Each access line includes a pair of wires for connection to a user terminal, e.g. a telephone handset. The system includes a monitor for monitoring each of the access lines to detect the presence of an off-hook state; a current sensor for each of the access lines for determining a fault condition on an access line for which an off-hook state has been detected when a imbalance is detected between currents in the wires of the access line; a controller for generating a report of each fault condition determined on an access line, in which each report comprises a time record relating to the time of generation of the report; and a crossover fault detector for recording a possible crossover fault involving two access lines upon the reporting within a set time period of one or more fault condition on each of the two access lines.

Abstract: A tone signal received in a telecommunications network is bandpass filtered based on an identified type of the received tone signal, providing a bandpass filtered tone signal. The tone signal is also bandstop filtered based on the identified type of the received tone signal, providing a bandstop filtered tone signal. The bandpass filtered tone signal and the bandstop filtered tone signal are analysed and the received tone signal is quantified based on the analysis result.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for performing a trace of a communications transaction using a dynamically generated endpoint identifier list are disclosed. According to one method, a first endpoint identifier for identifying a communications endpoint is received. A list including the first endpoint identifier is created. A signaling message including the first endpoint identifier may be searched for in the list. A parameter from the signaling message having the first endpoint identifier may be extracted that is distinct from the endpoint identifier. Further, the method may include searching for signaling messages having the extracted parameter. The method may include adding to the list any endpoint identifiers found in the search for signaling messages having the extracted parameter. The method may include searching for signaling messages having any of the endpoint identifiers in the list and thereby tracing a communications transaction involving endpoints in the endpoint identifier list.

Abstract: Network analyzing systems and methods are disclosed herein for analyzing a segment of a data communications network. One example of a network analyzing system includes a network analyzer that comprises a frame monitoring device operative to detect frames on the network segment under analysis. The network analyzer further comprises a frame decoder for decoding the frames to provide decode information that is stored on a decode information buffer. A display generating system is operative to create a graphical display view from a portion of the decode information. The graphical display view may be displayed in a graphical user interface of a display device.

Abstract: Techniques for measuring a one way delay between two handsets over an Internet protocol (IP) network utilize a delay measurement subsystem connected to both handsets and a procedure to couple a test signal to both handsets and measure the response to the test signal. The delay measurement subsystem is connected to a call originating handset to play an acoustic test signal to the transmitter of the originating handset. The delay measurement subsystem is connected to a call terminating handset to play the acoustic test signal to the transmitter of the call terminating handset and to record acoustic signals received on the call terminating handset. Signals recorded at the call terminating handset include a sidetone signal and a signal received from the call originating handset. The difference between the sidetone signal and the signal received from the call originating handset represents the delay through the handsets and the IP network.

Abstract: Determining whether a call forward busy service is enabled on a telephone line includes placing a first test call across a network to the telephone line. First signaling data is received through the network in response to the first test call. The first signaling data is evaluated to determine whether the first test call is inspiring a ringing condition. A second test call is placed across the network conditioned on whether the first signaling data indicates that the first test call is determined to be inspiring a ringing condition. The second test call is placed while the first test call remains inspiring ringing. Second signaling data is received through the network in response to the second test call. A call forward busy service is concluded to be enabled on the telephone line based on whether the second test call is determined to be inspiring a ringing condition.

Abstract: A system and method for multiple inputs, multiple outputs (MIMO) PSD allocation in a DSL system is disclosed. In some embodiments, the method may comprise monitoring system performance by performing a multi-ended line test (MELT), processing the MELT and allocating PSD based on at least one of system coupling power and system traffic.

Abstract: The length and attenuation of a signal line between a transmitter and a customer premises equipment is to be estimated. A frequency dependent line input impedance (Zin(f)) as seen from the transmitter, is measured and an absolute impedance value (œ Zin(f) œ) is generated. The latter is shown as a curve (A1) in the diagram with the frequency (f) on the abscissa and the impedance (œ Zin(f) œ) on the ordinate. Extreme values (Max.1, Max2, Max3; Min1, Min2, Min3) arc denoted and a frequency distance (FD1-FD4) between two consecutive of the extreme values is generated. The line length (L) is generated as L=½·vop/FD1, in which vop is the velocity of propagation of a signal on the line. The attenuation is estimated by multiplying the line length with an average attenuation value for the actual line type. The advantages are that the line length can be estimated with good accuracy in a simple manner for short lines and that the line attenuation is estimated in a simple manner.

Abstract: In a transmission line, nonlinear impairments resulting from imperfect splices are mitigated by providing a bias current that shifts the operating points of these impairments resulting in improved stability, conductivity and linearity.

Abstract: Estimates of a communication system configuration, such as a DSL system, are based on operational data collected from a network element management system, protocol, users and/or the like. The operational data collected from the system can include performance-characterizing operational data that typically is available in an ADSL system via element-management-system protocols. Generated estimates and/or approximations can be used in evaluating system performance and directly or indirectly dictating/requiring changes or recommending improvements in operation by transmitters and/or other parts of the communication system. Data and/or other information may be collected using “internal” means or may be obtained from system elements and components via email and/or other “external” means.

Abstract: Determining whether a call forward busy service is enabled on a telephone line includes placing a first test call across a network to the telephone line. First signaling data is received through the network in response to the first test call. The first signaling data is evaluated to determine whether the first test call is inspiring a ringing condition. A second test call is placed across the network conditioned on whether the first signaling data indicates that the first test call is determined to be inspiring a ringing condition. The second test call is placed while the first test call remains inspiring ringing. Second signaling data is received through the network in response to the second test call. A call forward busy service is concluded to be enabled on the telephone line based on whether the second test call is determined to be inspiring a ringing condition.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for telephone signal collection, processing, and analysis is provided. The apparatus includes a portable field unit for capturing telephone signal data including (a) a connection interface for connecting to the telephone line and receiving telephone signal data; (b) a signal recorder for digitally capturing the telephone signal data over a specified period by a plurality of simultaneous sampling methods, wherein a plurality of data streams result from each sampling method; (c) data storage for storing the data streams as a data file; and (d) an output port for transmitting the data file to a remote system. The sampling methods comprise distinct sampling rates and/or distinct input sensitivity levels. The apparatus includes in an alternate embodiment a voice recorder for recording a voice file, wherein the voice file is associated with the data file. This will enable the technician to provide input of his observations of the telephone signal.

Abstract: A method to determine telephone services enabled on a telephone line that is registered to receive services from an online service provider includes determining whether a telephone line registered to receive services from an online service provider is occupied. One or more test calls are placed across a network to the telephone line conditioned upon whether the telephone line is determined to be occupied. Signalling data is received through the network in response to the test calls. One or more telephone services believed to be enabled on the telephone line are determined based on at least the signaling data.

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: An apparatus for coupling signals to a transmission line, such as a power line (120). The apparatus comprises an input for receiving a wanted signal; a first coupler for coupling the wanted signal (Vmain) onto the line at a first position (Y); a cancelling means (WB, WR, WY), coupled to the input, for deriving a cancelling signal (Vaux) from the wanted signal; a second coupler for coupling the cancelling signal onto the line at a second position (X), spaced from the first position; wherein the wanted signal and the cancelling signal destructively combine in a single direction of propagation along the line while enabling the wanted signal to propagate in the other direction along the line. The apparatus can be used to minimise radiation from an unshielded part of an electricity distribution network, such as substation (100), or to allow re-use of a frequency band on other power lines.

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: In a telephone communication system employing a lower spectral band and a higher spectral band for communication of voice and video, wherein the system includes a first line for carrying signals at both the first and the second spectral bands and a second line for carrying signals at only the second spectral band, and wherein capacitors are employed for connection of the second line to the first line for exclusion of DC at a signal splitter of the communication system, the system has a bypass DC signal path for an alternative connection of the second line to the first line in substitution for the connection of the capacitors. The bypass can be activated electronically and remotely to establish conditions for the conduction of test of the signal carrying lines.

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: A method and apparatus for monitoring telecommunication lines. A switch is disposed between the telecommunication lines to be monitored and a jack which is connectable to a signal monitoring device. The switch is positionable into a neutral position for permitting connection of the signal monitoring device to the jack and at least a second position where the signal monitoring device may monitor the signals of the telecommunication lines.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the signaling network in a telecommunication system comprises extending a copy of each signaling message processed by a particular signal transfer point to an interface unit. The interface unit relays "of interest" messages to a signal monitoring system (SMS) in accordance with a pre-determined filtering protocol. In the SMS, messages are correlated in accordance with a pre-defined correlating protocol. The correlated signaling messages are subsequently retrieved by an OSS technician for analysis and updates.

Abstract: A test message is constructed using a set of predefined natural language message types and keywords. The constructed test message is then interpreted during run-time and converted to a properly formatted Transaction Capable Application Part (TCAP) message. The converted TCAP message is transmitted to a telecommunications software module being tested. When a response to the transmitted TCAP message from the software module is received by the interpreter, it is compared against yet another test message constructed using a set of predefined natural language message types and keywords to verify the proper execution of the software module. If a difference exists, an error message is generated by the interpreter and recorded in a log file.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for determining the activity status of a PCM channel in a telecommunications system. The method (600-680) and apparatus (400) utilize a codec (220) within the PCM channel which converts an analog signal to a digital signal and converts a digital signal to an analog signal. Within the apparatus (400), a memory register (402) is coupleable to the codec (220) to repeatedly obtain and store a digital byte of a plurality of digital bytes from the PCM channel. A processor (404) coupled to or containing the memory register (402) repeatedly, for a predetermined period of time, determine whether an ordered arrangement of bits of a digital byte has a predetermined bit pattern and accumulate a count of digital bytes having the predetermined bit pattern. The processor (404) then determines whether the accumulated count is greater than a predetermined value and provides a notification indicating the status of the PCM channel.

Abstract: A monitor probe for a communications signalling network, such as an SS7 network, is arranged to determine its own location on the signalling network by watching for a particular type of message which carries the required information in its routing label. The routing label of a message is the part of the message indicating the source and destination points for the message as well as providing link-related information for cases where more than one link connects two signalling points. Whilst the routing label of most messages on an SS7 network does not give a reliable indication of the absolute identity of the link on which the message was monitored, in the case of signalling link test messages, the routing label contains the identity of the two points at the end of the link on which the message was monitored as well as the identity of the link as between that link and any other parallel link; these items of information form an absolute identifier for the link which the message was monitored.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring telecommunication signals carried by a telecommunication network (10) including a signal transfer point device (12) for routing data, clock and control signals over a link (14) and a link monitor (16) operable for monitoring the link (14) is disclosed. The method and apparatus provides for the monitoring of the data and clock signals routed over the link (14) without tapping into the control signals routed over the link (14).

Abstract: An apparatus continuously monitors the T1 output signal from a customer telecommunications equipment to a telecommunications network and provides a substitute input signal to the network whenever the T1 output signal from the customer equipment is interrupted. When the output signal from the customer equipment is present, the apparatus passes through the input and output signals between the customer equipment and the network. When the output signal from the customer equipment is interrupted, the apparatus loops back the output signal from the network into the input to the network, providing the network with a substitute signal. The monitor uses a high impedance, non-intrusive sensing circuit.

Abstract: Data concurrence processes and systems for maintaining concurrence of parallel sets of data stored in telecommunication Network Elements. According to a preferred embodiment of such processes, a Network Element such as a Service Node sends a Request Message to a second Network Element such as a Source Service Control Point in order to update data on that Source. The Source then sends a Request Message to the other Network Element, such as a Target Service Control Point, in order to update the parallel data contained in that Service Control Point. The Network Elements whose data are updated may send appropriate Result Messages in order to verify integrity of the data. The processes and apparatus also allow resynchronization of the data to occur at desired predetermined interval.

Abstract: A monitor probe for a communications signalling network, such as an SS7 network, is arranged to determine its own location on the signalling network by watching for a particular type of message which carries the required information in its routing label. The routing label of a message is the part of the message indicating the source and destination points for the message as well as providing link-related information for cases where more than one link connects two signalling points. Whilst the routing label of most messages on an SS7 network does not give a reliable indication of the absolute identity of the link on which the message was monitored, in the case of signalling link test messages, the routing label contains the identity of the two points at the end of the link on which the message was monitored as well as the identity of the link as between that link and any other parallel link; these items of information form an absolute identifier for the link which the message was monitored.

Abstract: A cellular automated test set for testing cellular telephones consists of a RF interface coupled to an RF input/output of the cellular telephone and a transmitter-receiver coupled at an RF input/output of the transmitter-receiver to the RF interface. The transmitter-receiver transmits a first message signal to and receives a second message signal from the cellular telephone via the RF interface. The second message signal is generated by the cellular telephone in response to the first message signal. A data interface is coupled to a data port of the transmitter-receiver; and a processor is coupled to the data interface. The processor transmits a first data signal to and receives a second data signal from the transmitter-receiver via the data interface. The first message signal is generated in response to the first data signal and the second data signal is generated in response to the second message signal.

Abstract: The present invention automatically initiates a telephone call to a given destination. At the same time, the progress of the call is monitored. The time of a ring back and voice answer received from the destination are recorded to an output file. At the end of the voice answer, a pre-recorded voice message is sent by the system to the person answering at the destination. Thereafter, the recorded data is used to determine the response time for that particular telephone destination. A plurality of destinations can be tested. A second embodiment of the present invention provides for the interactive correspondence between a remote evaluation unit and a called destination and the measurement of the performance characteristics of the telephone network.

Abstract: An operating system is provided for an analog switching machine having switch fabric formed by multiple line and trunk link networks having interconnected switch stages with each switch stage having multiple grid connections and makes post-connection continuity checks. Error messages are generated for connection faults and sent to a monitor and analyzer computer. The error messages are automatically processed to identify the root causes of connection faults, i.e. to detect open and stuck crosspoints, faulty interstage links and faulty pulse path devices. The analyzer computer further generates command signals that provide for removal of faulty crosspoints and other failed elements from analog switching machine operation.

Abstract: In a switched telecommunications network having multiple SPC switches connected to one another by trunks and connected to signal transfer points (STPs) by common channel signal (CCS) links, dual port protocol analyzer and control (DIAC) devices are situated at two STPs which are connected together by control and data communication links. One input of one of the DIAC device is connected through a first CCS link to a switch to be monitored and the second input of the DIAC device is connected via the data communication link to the second STP and from the second STP via a CCS link to the switch to be monitored to provide at the DIAC device a simultaneous presentation of CCS signals appearing at the terminations of the CCS links at the switch to be monitored.

Abstract: Method for use in developing, testing, debugging, and/or troubleshooting a call progress monitoring (CPM) detection system which is utilized, for example, by a voice messaging system (VMS). One embodiment of the present invention which is utilized in conjunction with a VMS includes the steps of: (a) monitoring at least one voice channel of the VMS to obtain CPM tones and having a CPM Detection system associated with the VMS perform an analysis of the CPM tones, the output of which analysis is referred to as CPM Trace Variables; (b) storing the CPM tones and the CPM Trace Variables for the at least one voice channel, which stored CPM tones and CPM Trace Variables are referred to as a CPM Trace file; (c) obtaining a first voice channel; and (d) feeding the voice portion of the CPM Trace file to a second voice channel for playing it to the first voice channel.

Abstract: A method and system for testing a mobile communication system which includes a base station radio unit for making a line connection with an arbitrary one of a plurality of mobile stations, a line control unit which is coupled to the base station radio unit, and a pseudo mobile station which is coupled to the line control unit via a monitoring control line.

Abstract: A data communication and sleeve lead control apparatus provides auxilary signalling between a no-test trunk control unit, and another unit such as a pair gain unit which is coupled with the link between the control unit and the no-test trunk, while maintaining stability of the sleeve lead monitored by the no-test trunk. The appearance is installed within the pair gain unit, and effectively isolates the sleeve lead to the no-test trunk from sleeve lead to the no-test trunk control unit, so that the data communications between the control unit and the pair gain unit are transparent to the no-test trunk. During a prescribed sleeve lead current flow state, e.g. high resistance or low current flow, controlled interruption of sleeve lead current between the control unit and the pair gain unit effectively modulates the state of the sleeve lead therebetween, but does not change the intended current flow state applied by way of the sleeve lead output port to the no-test trunk.

Abstract: The device is inserted at the jack between the tip-ring signals of a telephone company's line and the customer's telephone lines and equipment to isolate the location of telephone problems. A first tri-color light emitting diode shows either "off" or "green" when a problem is detected, "red" if a telephone company line reversal exists, or "yellow" upon detection of a ring generator signal. When problems are detected, a switch is manually positioned to connect a second tri-color LED between the tip and ring signals while disconnecting the first tri-color LED and the telephone equipment. If the second tri-color LED is "off" then there is no dial tone; if it is "green" then the tip-ring signal lines are reversed; if it is "red" then the problem is within customer-owned telephone equipment. A battery test of the tri-color LED's is optionally incorporated. A variant test device connected at a RJ21 jack for testing ground start telephone trunk lines is also disclosed.