Abstract: Methods and apparatus to test a subscriber line for a broadband access service are disclosed. An example network interface device (NID) comprises a tone generator to transmit a tone on a subscriber line to characterize the subscriber line while a DSL modem is providing a DSL service via the subscriber line, the tone having a frequency occurring within a range of frequencies in use by the DSL modem to provide the DSL service, and a pair of terminals to couple the DSL modem and the tone generator to the subscriber line.

Abstract: A CPE application automatically detects an intermediate-layer protocol used at a DSL-connection head end and configures the DSL modem driver for that protocol. The application sets the driver to a possible driver protocol and attempts to connect to a head-end server. If a response is received from the head end, then the application reads the headers on the responsive message to determine whether the protocol at the head end is consistent with the protocol that the DSL modem is set to. If so, then the settings are loaded into the driver. If no response is received from the head end, then the application initiates a series of commands to elicit a response from the head end. If the protocol is not consistent or no response is elicited, then the DSL modem is set to another protocol, and the application again attempts to connect to the server at the head end.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to the arrangements for testing subscriber loops. The invention is based on a solution wherein a test head is behind the high-pass filter of the splitter. In order that this solution is possible, the splitter, i.e. the splitter box has to contain a relay and a relay control element. When a subscriber line is to be tested the test head sends a DC pulse to the relay control element, which directs the relay to connect the subscriber loop to bypass wirings through which the test head can perform necessary testing measurements. When the testing is over the relay control element directs the relay to switch back for connecting the subscriber loop to the common port of the filters.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to qualify a wire-pair for a digital subscriber line (DSL) service are disclosed. An example method comprises modifying a digital subscriber line (DSL) signal received on a wire-pair at a DSL modem to emulate an environmental condition, and qualifying the wire-pair for a DSL service based on a DSL connection rate achieved by the DSL modem during the emulated environmental condition.

Abstract: A network interface device is positioned between a subscriber loop and the internal wiring of a subscriber's premise. Operational and performance data is captured and stored in memory for later use and analysis. Commands issued to the network interface device selectively loop-back transmitted data at either the network or subscriber side of the network interface device and/or selectively engage or disengage one or more of the addressed subscriber and premise loops.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting faults on a telephone line, the method comprising: comparing measured characteristics of the line with a model, said model modeling expected characteristics of the telephone line; and in response to the comparison, generating a fault alert signal if the comparison between the measured characteristics and the modeled expected characteristics differ by more than a pre-determined threshold, wherein said characteristics comprise characteristics relating to the transmission of data on the line within a plurality of predetermined frequency bands

Abstract: According to various embodiments of the present invention, systems and methods for verifying the routing of a call through a network, including: generating an outbound call from a test tool in a first network, the outbound call including a test key and a destination number, the destination number being associated with a communication device accessible to first network, routing the outbound call to second network, receiving outbound call from second network in the form of inbound call to first network, the inbound call including the test key and the destination number, accessing the test key, and based at least in part on the test key, routing the inbound call to the test tool. In some instances, call tracking information may be collected, analyzed, and/or displayed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for connection verification. An embodiment includes a DSL based system, with a tester resident at a central office respective to a DSLAM. When a problem is encountered by a subscriber, the tester can be readily connected to the DSLAM to allow performance of tests on the connection between the tester, the DSLAM and the Internet. If such tests are successful, then service provider can eliminate that portion of the link as the source of the connectivity problem. If unsuccessful, the service provider can repair that portion of the connection, and thereby potentially obviate the need to send a technician to the subscriber premises.

Abstract: A system for measuring the transmission characteristic of an xDSL system that implements high-speed data communication over existing copper telephone wires connecting an office and a subscriber includes a polling device included in the outside line of an xDSL circuit, which is installed in an office, for polling a subscriber line. A noise level measuring circuit measures the existing level of cross-talk noise on the subscriber line. A decision circuit determines, based on the existing level of cross-talk noise measured, whether or not the subscriber line is usable.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for verifying a service provided to at least one subscriber terminal in a communication network. The method includes connecting a communication device to the network, logging into a test unit communicatively coupled to the network using the communication device, entering into the communication device an access code corresponding to a test for verifying a service, and conducting the test for verifying the service, corresponding to the access code.

Abstract: According to the invention, a user connection cable (TAL) that is to be associated with a user connection circuit (SLIC) and is used for connecting at least one user (TN) to at least one communication network is verified regarding switching on of a positive distribution voltage in the strands (a, b). The user connection circuit (SLIC) is initially switched to the silent interval mode and a test impedance (I) is switched between the strands (a, b) of the user connection cable (TAL), whereupon the current (i) flowing across the strands (a, b) and the voltage (u) to ground of a strand (b) are measured. Advantageously, the measurements are taken via measuring devices disposed on the user connection subassembly (SLMA).

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a device having a low voltage SLIC to perform SLIC functions at a low voltage and to provide metallic and longitudinal currents to a high voltage SLIC. The low voltage SLIC may be designed based on an operational amplifier cell architecture, and the high voltage SLIC may receive the metallic and longitudinal currents and generate first and second amplified output currents therefrom.

Abstract: A system for identifying service affecting conditions on a subscriber line in the access portion of a broadband network, particularly an ADSL network. A measurement unit provides information on the line that aids in identifying projected performance. Information from a modem on the subscriber line indicative of actual performance is obtained and compared to the predicted values. Deviations are used to identify service affecting conditions and, depending on the nature of the deviations, the type of condition affecting service on the line. The physical measurements are used to identify the length of the subscriber line. Modem information is obtained through the MIB and allows determination of the bit loading on the line. Interference sources are identified by comparing the actual bit loading to bit loading expected for a line corresponding to the measured length.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining an optimal performance of a lossless circuit. In one embodiment, the number of inductors and capacitors contained in a circuit of interest are input, and then a random search of a plurality of lossless circuits, each having the same number of inductors and capacitors, is conducted. Then, the electrical load used by the circuit of interest is input into each of the plurality of lossless circuits. The method then searches for a circuit of the plurality of lossless circuits having the smallest mismatch between the electrical load and the circuit's input reflectance. The circuit having a lowest mismatch between the input electrical load and the circuit's input reflectance is then determined.

Abstract: A splitter card having integral test access devices. The splitter card allows test access to be readily provided at any location where splitter cards are typically mounted (e.g., a splitter chassis).

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for testing cable pairs in a telecommunications network. One method connects a test line to a telecommunications switch. The test line is connected to an inactive cable pair. The inactive cable pair has no telecommunications service established for the cable pair. The connection between the test line and the inactive cable pair creates a signal path from the telecommunications switch to the inactive cable pair, thus allowing the inactive cable pair to be tested for faults. This method allows a telecommunications service provider to determine the condition of available, inactive cable pairs.

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: A method and apparatus for qualifying a telephone transmission line for XDSL communication services is disclosed. The system includes a modem, located at the customer premises to be connected. The modem analyzes actual signals to determine the electrical characteristics of the communication channel associated with the customer premises. The modem includes a transmitter, receiver and controller to generate test signals and receive responses. The modem then analyzes the data to generate an output value indicative of the electrical characteristics of the communication channel being tested. This output value is then displayed to a user or transmitted over the communication channel to a network. The system thereby eliminates the necessity of dispatching a technician to test the telephone line, and provides more accurate test results than those achievable at the network-side of the connection alone.

Abstract: A method and a system for impairment line testing are provided. The method includes electrically connecting a first terminal of a measurement device, which may be a time domain reflectometer, to both wires of a twisted wire pair of a telephone line, which interconnects a telephone line card with a subscriber. The second terminal of the measurement device is electrically connected to a common reference, which may be the ground reference. Then, the method includes performing an impairment testing on the telephone line from the measurement device toward the subscriber.

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: There are disclosed systems and methods for performing diagnostic testing on portable communication devices, such as cellular telephones. In one embodiment, diagnostic commands are generated internal to the communication device and processed within the device as though the test commands had been received from a remote location. The processed commands can be analyzed either within the portable device or remote therefrom. For remote processing, a wireless port is provided.

Abstract: A loop polarity auto-reversing system 100 of a U interface is disposed in a line terminal 10 connected to a digital service unit 20 via the U interface. The loop polarity auto-reversing system includes a current detection module 101, a loop polarity determining module 103, and a loop polarity reversing module 105. The current detection module is for detecting whether there is loop current at the U interface. The loop polarity determining module is for determining whether a loop polarity of the U interface is correct if there is loop current. The loop polarity reversing module is for reversing the loop polarity of the U interface if the loop polarity is incorrect. An auto-reversing method for reversing the loop polarity of the U interface is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of setting power back-off of a master transceiver and a slave transceiver is disclosed. The method includes the master transceiver determining a master power back-off, and the slave transceiver determining a slave power back-off based on signals received from the master transceiver, and based on the master power back-off.

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: Systems and methods for detecting a status of a telephone line. Some of the systems include a telecommunications system which comprises a dial tone tester integrated with a demarcation device. Such dial tone testers can include a visual device or an audible device indicative of line status. Various methods are also described for detecting the status of a telephone line. Such methods can include receiving a response originating from a customer premises, viewing a demarcation device located at the customer premises, and determining line status from a dial tone tester integrated with the demarcation device.

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: An acquisition section acquires trace information including a plurality of log information having information on contents and types of log information based on message information of test signals transmitted to a communication terminal and a series of reply signals from the communication terminals, and provides clock time information at which the respective message information have been acquired. The trace information including the plurality of log information, is displayed in predetermined formats. An indication bar display section displays an indication bar on which the plurality of log information are arranged in a time series based on the clock time at which the respective message information have been acquired. A log sequence display section displays a predetermined number of log information as log sequences having time stamps based on the clock time information at which the respective log information have been acquired, so as to be associated with the indication bar.

Abstract: When delivering a broadband service, such as xDSL, without inband POTS, it is necessary to separate the analogue POTS signal and the xDSL signal from each other at both the CO (Central Office) and the CP (Customer's Premises). This can be achieved by using an active POTS splitter. The present invention incorporates test functionality for the line between the CP and the CO, or ONU (Optical Network Unit), in the POTS splitter. This enables two-sided measurements on the line, both during installation and during operation. The measurements are performed at the CO and upon request, or when the test device automatically sends a test message/signal. In this way there is no need for field technicians at the CP side. The POTS splitter can have a unique identity code that is transmitted to the CO each time a test is started, or on receipt of a request from the CO.

Abstract: A method of automatically resolving a Digital Subscriber Line failure can include detecting a failure of the Digital Subscriber Line and establishing a call over a public switched telephone network with an administrative system for the Digital Subscriber Line. The method further can include notifying the administrative system for the Digital Subscriber Line of the failure over the established call. The administrative system then can cause the Digital Subscriber Line to be reset.

Abstract: The system and method of determining insertion loss of a telephone line under test (LUT) determines a first insertion loss as a function of plurality of different equivalent circuit values of the LUT determined at a plurality of different frequencies of a first set of discrete frequencies. A running standard deviation (rSTD) of a predicted length d of the LUT at each frequency of a second set of discrete frequencies is determined from the predicted lengths d of the LUT at and below said frequency. A second insertion loss is determined based on the pair of adjacent discrete frequencies of the second set of discrete frequencies that have the largest difference between their rSTDs. Based on a comparison of the first and second insertion losses to an expected insertion loss, one of these insertion losses is deemed to be the actual insertion loss of the LUT.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing telephone sets to determine their sound quality comprising a system for repeatedly applying a sequence of pulse tones to a test telephone where the respective tone frequencies are different and within the normal human voice range.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to the arrangements for testing subscriber loops. The invention is based on a solution wherein a test head is behind the high-pass filter of the splitter. In order that this solution is possible, the splitter, i.e. the splitter box has to contain a relay and a relay control element. When a subscriber line is to be tested the test head sends a DC pulse to the relay control element, which directs the relay to connect the subscriber loop to bypass wirings through which the test head can perform necessary testing measurements. When the testing is over the relay control element directs the relay to switch back for connecting the subscriber loop to the common port of the filters.

Abstract: A novel method of configuring a physical layer transceiver for providing data communications via residential wiring. A transmit section of the transceiver produces a pulse signal having selected amplitude. This pulse signal received by an input circuit in a receiver section of the transceiver is used for adjusting the gain of the input circuit to a fixed optimum level. In particular, the gain of the input circuit may be adjusted in response to at least one pulse. A calibration circuit of the transceiver includes a comparator for comparing the receive signal produced at the output of the input circuit, with a threshold level, and controller that supplies the input circuit with a gain control value, and sets the threshold level. The controller reduce the gain control value to decrease the gain of the input circuit when the receive signal exceeds the threshold level. The gain control value is increased to raise the gain of the input circuit when the receive signal is less than the threshold level.

Abstract: A remote test unit (RTU) and method of operation are provided for utilizes the ability of an access matrix ability to route signals. The RTU can emulate a central Digital Subscriber Line Modem (DSLM-C) for testing customer premises equipment containing a remote Digital Subscriber Line Modem (DSLM-R). The RTU can also emulate a DSLM-R for testing central offices equipment including a digital subscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM) containing a DSLM-C. The RTU can also emulate a concentrator connected to the DSLAM, a router connected to the concentrator, an Internet service provider (ISP) connected to the router, and a web site connected to the ISP over the Internet. The RTU can further test, using emulation, ISO/OSI layers defined in the ISO/OSI reference model which are connected to the DSLAM.

Abstract: A network interface device is positioned between a subscriber loop and the internal wiring of a subscriber's premise. Operational and performance data is captured and stored in memory for later use and analysis. Commands issued to the network interface device selectively loop-back transmitted data at either the network or subscriber side of the network interface device and/or selectively engage or disengage one or more of the addressed subscriber and premise loops.

Abstract: A telecommunication multi-service transport platform system is disclosed. It has at least one service card providing a predetermined telecommunication service, and at least one protection card for replacing the service card when the service card fails. The protection card further comprising one or more test ports connectable to an external testing tool, one or more protection circuits, and at least one relay module associated with the test ports for allowing the testing tool to be connected to the protection circuits through at least one test port for testing the service card when the protection card is in a standby mode and for disconnecting the testing tool from the protection circuits when the service card fails.

Abstract: Allowing a tester of a telephonic device to issue call control commands to a call control server using an intuitive set of commands and using both data lines for data call control commands, and voice lines for touch tone or “DTMF” call control commands. The user may initiate a call control command by either entering the call control command in a command line of a program executed at a telephonic device, or by crafting a function call using an Application Program Interface (API) that allows for more intuitive function calls that are more descriptive of the call control command. During execution, the more descriptive user-entered command or function call is converted into a form that recognized by the call control server. The converted call control command is then transmitted to the call control server.

Abstract: A multiplexing apparatus selectively performs cell discard processing in the case of congestion on the basis of a use state of the same connection formed by cells from the side of a switching unit and subscribers without installing UPC units, and the multiplexing apparatus, which is connected to the switching unit and each of the plural subscribers through communication lines.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and a method for testing a communication network. The inventive method transmits a first signal from a first point to a second point of the communication network, where the first and the second points are remotely located. The inventive method further includes recording a first time value of the transmitting of the first signal using a first clock, receiving a second signal at the second point of the communication network, and recording a second time value of the receiving using a second click. The first clock and the second clock operate from a substantially similar reference. The method may further include comparing the first signal and the second signal as a function of the first and second time values. Also, the method may determine at least one performance characteristic of the communication network based on the comparison.

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

Abstract: A test unit for an aircraft cabin telephony system includes a pair of connectors for inserting the test unit in-line within the system; an AC voltage module that is operative to indicate the presence of an AC voltage when the test unit is connected to the Cabin Delivery System connector of the cabin telephony system; a signal module that is operative to detect the presence of data signals when the test unit is connected to the Cabin Delivery System connector; a DC power module that is operative to indicate the presence of DC voltage when the test unit is connected to a seat telephony box within the cabin telephony system; and an AC current module that is operative to detect an over-current condition when the test unit is connected to the Cabin Delivery System connector of the cabin telephony system.

Abstract: In a system and method for determining the suitability of a copper pair line for xDSL service use, characteristic parameters of a copper pair line to be tested are measured. These characteristics include a wire gauge, length, and temperature of the copper pair line. In addition, characteristics such as the presence of short circuits, longitudinal balance, the presence of load coils, wideband noise and loop attenuation are tested for the copper pair line. A plant map of the copper pair line is then determined based on the measured and tested characteristics. Using the above characteristics and the plant map of the copper pair line, a transfer function representative of the plant map is determined which is then used to analyze and thereby qualify the copper pair line.

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: An automatic system for the provisioning, deployment and management of digital subscriber lines (DSL) in a telephone network uses data on loop composition, electromagnetic interference and crosstalk between lines to optimize the performance and correct problems with one or more symmetric and or asymmetric digital subscriber lines in a cable. The system optimizes DSL lines on an individual basis using measurements and data. The optimal transmit power spectral density (PSD) for each DSL can be found in an iterative manner. Starting each DSL with some predetermined starting parameter, the transmit PSD of each DSL is optimized in round-robin fashion. The crosstalk into a given DSL is calculated as the power sum of all transmissions passed through their measured crosstalk couplings. An asymmetric DSL has its transmit PSD optimized by using the “waterfilling” technique.

Abstract: A splitter card having integral test access devices. The splitter card allows test access to be readily provided at any location where splitter cards are typically mounted (e.g., a splitter chassis).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatuses to determine the characteristics of a local loop using the multi-tone line-probing signals of a standard voice-based modem. For one embodiment, the multi-tone, line-probing signals of a voice-band modem are transmitted over a local loop and received at a standard voice band modem. Discrete Fourier transform values are determined for each of two or more frequencies of the plurality of frequencies of the multi-tone signals. A set of discrete Fourier transform values corresponding to a set of high frequencies is summed to obtain a first value and a set of discrete Fourier transform values corresponding to a set of low frequencies is summed to obtain a second value. A power ratio is determined by dividing the first value by the second value. The power ratio is then used to determine a characteristic of the local loop.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for measuring the quality of telephone transmission lines. A device, such as a loop test apparatus, can be located at a customer's premises and used for remotely diagnosing telephone line impairments, especially concerning the local loop and customer premises wiring. Such a device is valuable for determining if a telephone line is suitable for new services, such as DSL. The loop test apparatus can incorporate an integrated local loopback feature that can be controlled from a loop testing server (LTS) at, e.g., a telephone Central Office. The loop test apparatus can terminate a telephone line at the customer premises based on a message sent by the LTS. The local loopback will then reflect signals transmitted by the LTS back to the LTS so that line characteristics of the local loop and customer premises wiring can be analyzed, without the need to dispatch telephone company service equipment and/or personnel to a customer premises.

Abstract: A method (10, 20) and apparatus (30) enables a customer (47) to distinguish between a dead or broken Internet Protocol telephone line and an out-of-service Internet Protocol telephone line. The method detects (11) a hook status of a device (46) coupled to the IP network (33) during an out-of-service status of the line. Upon detection of a change in state from an on-hook state to an off-hook state, a message is sent (13) to the device (46) indicating that the IP telephone line is currently out-of-service and not dead or broken. This message can be a voice or text message. Moreover, the message can provide status information for all of the interfaces of the device coupled to the IP telephone line. In addition, the message can include information as to how to obtain service, such as a telephone number to call.

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: A method of establishing a transmission power level for signals transmitted in a conductor is provided in an environment where signal interference is present between the signals in the conductor and separate signals carried in a proximate conductor. The method includes the steps of determining a reference signal interference level at an end of the proximate conductor from a reference signal capable of being propagated from an opposing end of the proximate conductor and determining a transmission power level for the signals to provide a signal interference level based on the reference signal interference level. A system embodying the method is also provided.