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 defective line pairs. Proactive maintenance is predicted based upon the information. The information associated with defective line pairs may be weighted and combined with information from a Dynamic Network Analyzer or with information from a Loop Facilities and Control System. Work orders describing the predicted proactive maintenance may be generated and dispatched.

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: The invention comprises a system and method for transmitting and receiving VoDSL voice traffic that avoids, where possible, the transcoding of a speech signal multiple times. The invention advantageously provides enhanced Quality of Service (QoS) by opportunistically avoiding signal degradation where VoDSL to VoDSL gateway communications may be provided.

Abstract: A method for optimizing downstream data transfer in a telephone from a splitterless asymmetric digital subscriber line modem. The modem examines the power spectrum of fast retrain signals both when the telephone is on-hook and off-hook. By comparing the power in the spectra, the modem may determine whether to cut back its transmitted power to lessen the noise in the downstream channel. In this manner, a customer may simultaneously use the telephone and the modem on the same telephone loop.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for recreating radio frequency (RF) conditions of a cellular network extracts significant RF effects from field test data, and recreates variable RF attenuation using a multi-channel attenuator. A field data processor converts the field test data to time-varying attenuator control values for each channel of the multi-channel attenuator. Accordingly, a mobile in the lab which is connected to the multi-channel attenuator sees the same carrier and interference levels that were observed in the field environment, allowing cellular communication equipment testing without repeated field testing.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for automating the dispatching of maintenance services from a telephone cable air pressure monitoring system. If air pressure maintained in a telephone cable conduit drops below a required level, an alarm may be generated at an air pressure alarm and report system (APARS). If the APARS determines that an unacceptable air pressure exists, data associated with the cable conduit is sent to a proactive maintenance application (PMA). The PMA checks other data associated with the conduit in question to determine if an acceptable condition exists that is responsible for the drop in air pressure or air flow. If the PMA does not determine that the change in air pressure or air flow is acceptable, the PMA generates a work order or work ticket for ordering a repair of the conduit. The work order is transmitted to a dispatch system. At the dispatch system, an operator verifies the status of the conduit in question.

Abstract: In an access network system for performing a maintenance management of an access line, a processor stores an allocation status of a bearer channel to be managed, and a system manager determines an availability status of the access line based on the allocation status. Also, the processor determines the availability status based on the allocation status and loop open/close information of a PSTN/ISDN user line. Furthermore, the system manager 25 activates a test portion based on the availability status.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing diagnostic information to at least one telephone includes a telephony interface device operatively coupled to at least one telephone through a telephone line. The telephony interface device is operatively coupled to a network. The telephony interface device transmits diagnostic information to the at least one telephone. The diagnostic information may include, for example, diagnostic information concerning the network, the telephony interface device itself, and the telephone line.

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

Abstract: A telephone line testing device for use with a PABX having a plurality of input lines. The testing device includes test circuitry, a first connecting means for connection to a telephone line of a telephone system, a second connecting means for connection to a desired input line of the PABX, a first switch means for connecting either the PABX input line or the test circuitry to the telephone line. The test circuitry includes a test signal generating means for generating a test signal, a ringing signal detection means for detecting the presence of a ringing signal on the telephone line, and a second switch means which is responsive to the ringing signal detection means for automatically supplying a test signal generated by the test signal generating means to the telephone system when the test circuitry is connected to the telephone line by the first switch means and a ringing signal is desired.

Abstract: The invention presented herein is directed to a battery injection and loop supervision (BILS) system and method that can be used in the DSL environment. The BILS of the present invention provides battery injection, loop supervision, and butt set operation mode detection in the DSL environment. A voltage source, detector and comparator in the BILS unit can be used to supervise the copper loop status from the central office. In addition, using the present invention, a field technician using a conventional butt set can detect battery voltage and receive an audible tone from the cooper loops in the DSL environment. Furthermore, the BILS can be implemented in accordance with two preferred embodiments, voltage sensing and current sensing. The BILS includes circuitry, working in conjunction with a shared common resource card and a conventional butt set, for testing, maintaining, and installing copper loops in the DSL environment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing the connectivity of subscriber terminals more efficiently. A subscriber test controller controls a process of a subscriber test by sending related test parameters and identification data to identify a target subscriber to be tested. A subscriber data management unit collects subscriber data and centrally manages the collected subscriber data. A target subscriber determination unit identifies the target subscriber by using the identification data in searching the subscriber data. A subscriber test execution unit receives the test parameters through a transmission path routed separately from trunks interconnecting the telecommunications devices, and runs a subscriber test according to the received test parameters.

Abstract: A method for reducing audible noise in a telephone from a splitterless asymmetric digital subscriber line modem. The modem examines the shape of the power spectrum of fast retrain signals both when the telephone is on-hook and off-hook. By comparing the spectra, in particular the slopes of the spectra, the modem may determine the quality of the telephone that shares the telephone loop with the modem. The modem cuts back its transmitted power depending on the quality of the telephone by an amount that suppresses the audible noise in the telephone. In this manner, a customer may simultaneously use the telephone and the modem on the same telephone loop.

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

Abstract: A universal line card architecture includes core circuitry for performing battery, overvoltage, ringing, supervision, coder/decoder circuit (CODEC), hybrid and test (BORSCHT) functions interconnected to a control processor and processing system. The control processor and processing system serve a plurality of line cards and are configurable to one or more of a plurality of subscriber loop standards in which the line card can operate. Upon receipt of instructions from a configuration system, the processing system configures line card and core network interface elements so that an appropriate subscriber loop standard may be associated with the line card identified in the provisioning request.

Abstract: An invention is provided for testing telecommunications devices. Broadly speaking, test data is encoded prior to testing a SUT. Then, during testing, the encoded test data is transmitted to the SUT, which processes the test data. The processed test data then is received back from the SUT. The processed test data is decoded in real-time, as opposed to the encoding of the test data, which is performed offline and prior to testing. In addition, a quality of the processed test data is analyzed. Typically, the test data is speech data, which is stored prior to testing the SUT. Optionally, the speech data can be encoded offline using a computer system separate from the testing system.

Abstract: A method tests a subscriber line. The method includes determining values of electrical line features from electrical measurements on the subscriber line and processing a portion of the values of the electrical features with a neural network. The neural network predicts whether the line qualifies to support one or more preselected data services from the portion of the values.

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: A system and method for testing and maintaining a predetermined bit rate on a line connection between a transmission assembly and at least one terminal, where initiation of a drop below the predetermined bit rate triggers at least one corrective measure for increasing the bit rate.

Abstract: An electronic relay matrix (22) is connectable between a plurality of customer telephone lines and a plurality of testers (2, 201-203) The electronic relay matrix (22) includes a line matrix (80) having a plurality of relay assemblies (821-8250) Each relay assembly (82) in a relaxed state connects together the line-side (12) and the drop-side (8) of one of the customer telephone lines. Each relay assembly (82) is adjustable to enable one of the plurality of testers (2, 201-203) to be connected to the drop-side (8) and/or the line-side (12) of a desired customer telephone line.

Abstract: The apparatus is a device that measures the attenuation effects of a telephone circuit's physical construction, electrical characteristics, and equipment with respect to a series of waveforms at different frequencies, then combines the resultant values to create and display a reference number called the Vasquez Number (VN), a unitless number that, once generated, becomes a representative signature of the circuit under test. This number can then be employed to compare ostensibly identical circuits, to identify aberrations indicative of wiretaps or other unauthorized equipment, or to monitor the circuit over time to determined whether such additional devices have been added.

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 balance network directional coupler (BNDC) allows for effective coupling to sources of transmitted signals, communication lines, and devices that process received signals. The BNDC includes a transmission port, first and second amplifiers, a reception port, a communication line port, a transformer system, and a balance network. The second amplifier has a second gain of a polarity opposite the polarity of the polarity of the first gain. The transformer system has first and second windings each having first and second terminals, the first and second terminals of the first winding being electrically coupled to the communication line port, the first terminal of the second winding being electrically coupled to the reception port, and the second terminal of the second winding being electrically coupled to an output terminal of the second amplifier.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting data over a twisted pair with or without load coils using a transmitter and receiver is disclosed. The system detects load coils by generating and transmitting a test signal having signal power concentrated in two different frequency bands across the twisted pair and comparing the signal power of the received signal to determine whether the twisted pair is loaded or unloaded. If load coils are detected, an adjustment circuit is used to configure the receiver for reception of data over a twisted pair having load coils. Otherwise, the adjustment circuit configures the receiver for reception of data over a twisted pair without load coils.

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: A bit error rate test (BERT) system is configured as a field programmable gate array that emulates multiple independent BERT generators. The BERT generators produce test frames containing test pattern codes associated with respectively different time division multiplexed (TDM) digital communication channels, that are not necessarily mutually contiguous within a plurality of TDM timeslots of a network communication frame serving digital communication circuits. A framing unit assembles the test code patterns into a test frame and transmits the test frame over a serial network interface to a plurality of digital channel units of a channel bank. The framing unit also interfaces contents of test code patterns within test frames returned from the channel units over the serial network interface with a plurality of data channel-specific virtual BERT receivers, associated with respective digital communication channels.

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: The invention presented herein is directed to a battery injection and loop supervision (BILS) system and method that can be used in the DSL environment. The BILS of the present invention provides battery injection, loop supervision, and butt set operation mode detection in the DSL environment. A voltage source, detector and comparator in the BILS unit can be used to supervise the copper loop status from the central office. In addition, using the present invention, a field technician using a conventional butt set can detect battery voltage and receive an audible tone from the cooper loops in the DSL environment. Furthermore, the BILS can be implemented in accordance with two preferred embodiments, voltage sensing and current sensing. The BILS includes circuitry, working in conjunction with a shared common resource card and a conventional butt set, for testing, maintaining, and installing copper loops in the DSL environment.

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

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a system and method for protecting an electronic device connected to a telephone line. The system includes a detector, sensor and protector. The detector determines a resistance built-in to the telephone line, the sensor utilizes the resistance of the telephone line to determine if the telephone line is a digital line and the protector prevents the electronic device from prolonged connection with the telephone line if it is a digital line.

Abstract: Circuits for testing POTS service on a shared POTS/xDSL carrier include microfilters for selective coupling to the subscriber loop side of an xDSL filter associated with a subscriber line interface circuit. Such configurations facilitate testing of the POTS service using an insertion point that is between the xDSL filter and the subscriber loop in a manner that is transparent to subscribers.

Abstract: A 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: Methods and systems for proactively maintaining a telephone system local loop. One embodiment includes communicating with a communications network and acquiring status information associated with telephone lines. Proactive maintenance is predicted using upon the status information. Work orders describing the predicted proactive maintenance may be generated and dispatched. Another embodiment includes communicating with a communications network and acquiring at least one customer information associated with copper line pairs, service information associated with copper line pairs, and status information associated with telephone lines. The acquired information is stored in a database. The database is updated with the status information associated with telephone lines. Proactive maintenance is predicted using the stored information.

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 and system is disclosed for testing an IDSL communications line. Transmission elements are queried sequentially within an IDSL communications line. A predetermined period of time is waited after querying a transmission element for a correct response. If a correct response is received, the next transmission element is queried for its existence. Configuration of the IDSL communications line is identified based on the received responses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pre-qualifying lines with respect to estimating the insertion loss of the line is presented. End-to-end insertion loss at high frequencies is estimated from measurements made at low frequencies through the voice switch at the central office of a telephone company. An AC voltage waveform is applied to the telephone line being tested. Real and imaginary components of the resultant waveform are measured. These measurements are captured and used to estimate the insertion loss of the telephone line at frequencies in the range of 40 kHz to 300 kHz.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring latency in voice communications is presented. In an exemplary embodiment, latency is measured by establishing a call between a first and a second telephony device, and measuring a latency between a signal originating at the first telephony device and the signal as it arrives at the second telephony device.

Abstract: A system for testing a communication path for digital subscriber line (DSL) signals includes a loop management device coupled in the communication path between a DSL access multiplexer (DSLAM) and a DSL modem located at a customer premises. The system also includes a remote test interface coupled in the communication path between the loop management device and the DSL modem. The loop management device and the remote test interface communicate using voice-band signals transmitted over the communication path and collaboratively test the communication path.

Abstract: A system and method for testing a telephone connection using an interactive telephone response module (ITRM). In one embodiment, the ITRM is connected between the handset and station set of a telephone terminating one end of the connection to be tested. In another embodiment, the ITRM is connected between the telephone connection and the station set of a telephone terminating one end of the connection to be tested. By operating switches on the ITRM, a user can impose predetermined conditions on the connection. A test coordinator located at a test point or other termination in the telephone network then tests the connection under the predetermined conditions.

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

Abstract: A data protector for telephony test equipment, comprising a relay for selectively connecting the telephony test equipment to a telecommunication line, and electronic circuitry. The electronic circuitry includes a detector portion adapted for detecting signals within a continuous band of frequencies present on the telecommunication line, and a microcontroller. The microcontroller has a frequency counter function for determining whether data is present on the telecommunication line, a relay connect control function for selectively controlling the relay to connect the telephony test equipment to the telecommunication line, and an alert operator function for producing a signal if the detected frequency is above a predetermined threshold.

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

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

Abstract: An apparatus for assessing signal coupling and radiation from cable networks by exciting the network with multiple broadband signals modulated by a common source, the networks having a plurality of channels, including a noise generator to generate a plurality of test signals, a plurality of modulators, each coupled to one of the plurality of channels, for modulating the plurality of test signals, and a control apparatus coupled to the plurality of modulators for controlling coupling and decoupling of each of the plurality of channels to the signal generating means.

Abstract: A method for testing an assembled telephone (10) includes activating the telephone (10) and automatically transmitting a poll command from a processor (60) of the telephone on a bus (66) of the telephone (10). The method also includes receiving a test command from a testing device connected to the bus (66) in response to the poll command. The test command is operable to automatically initiate a test of the telephone (10). The method further includes automatically initiating a standard operational mode of the telephone (10) if the test command is not received by the processor (60) in response to the poll command.

Abstract: A test unit provides testing capability at a network interface device (NID). The test unit may be remotely activated so that testing is initiated upon activation from a remote site. In one embodiment, a characteristic signal is sent over a telephone line toward the NID. A characteristic signal is detected and the testing unit is activated. The testing unit may perform multiple types of tests, including tests for detecting line loss, line noise and latency. The test may be implemented using electronic circuitry or using an intelligent computer system.

Abstract: A system for centrally and remotely testing switches of cellular and conventional telecommunications network wherein a controller located at a remote location provides instructions to Remote Call Processor (RCP) to thereby prompt the RCPs to establish a communication link from the RCP through a switch to a destination device whereby audio from said destination device is communicated, by way of the switch and the RCP, to the controller in order to verify that the switch properly routed and billed of the call. The destination device may be a service provided by such network or it may be another RCP.

Abstract: The method is for controlling the transmission power for a session in a system when transmitting data via a telephone line by using a digital subscriber line between a user terminal and a central unit. The transmission power is increased or decreased between given limit values so that the transmission power is kept as low as possible while still providing a sufficient transmission quality. The transmission quality, and therefore the transmission power, is controlled by the value of the signal-to-noise ratio and the number of bit errors BER within a given time interval.