Abstract: Signature apparatus and techniques that make home networking devices, e.g., in-Home Phoneline Network (herein referred to as “HPN”) devices, isolation filters, network interface devices, etc., detectable by commercially available metallic loop termination (MLT) test equipment. The invention also provides a method of testing a telephone line for the existence of a signature circuit identifying a home network. The home network signature circuit includes a series combination of a voltage breakdown device (e.g., Zener diodes) and an impedance (e.g., 200K ohm resistor). In operation, the home network signature circuit shunts the tested subscriber line loop with a voltage-dependent impedance in the presence of an appropriate test voltage exceeding 80 volts. Different high voltage thresholds of the voltage breakdown portion and/or different resistance values of the shunt impedance can be implemented in the home network signature device to produce uniquely detectable signatures.

Abstract: A modem includes a Digital Access Arrangement (DAA) Circuit and modem software that is executed by a processor. When the DAA Circuit detects that the modem software is nonfunctional, it enters an on-hook state to prevent blocking of a coupled telephone line. A nonfunctional state of the modem software is detected when the modem software ceases to interact with the DAA Circuit in an expected manner. In a first operation, the nonfunctional state is determined when the modem software does not reset a count down timer in the DAA Circuit before the count down timer reaches a termination value. In a second operation, the nonfunctional state is determined when the modem software does not access the DAA Circuit before the count down timer reaches the termination value. In a third operation, the nonfunctional state is determined when the modem software ceases writing transmit data to DMA memory.

Abstract: A method for controlling transmission power from a customer premise equipment device over a local loop of a digital subscriber line involves determinating a maximum power level for transmissions over the local loop. The maximum power level is based on a response of the local loop to a test signal to allow a different loop in the binder group to have a different maximum power level to reduce potential for crosstalk in the binder group.

Abstract: A telephony test system (34) has a communication interface (52, 54, 56) connected to communicate with a remote terminal (16). In response to receiving an electrical test request signal from the remote terminal (16), a controller (50) causes an analog-to-digital converter (DAC) (70) to produce an analog signal which is supplied to a high voltage amplifier (124) which amplifies and supplies the amplified analog signal to customer telephony equipment (6). Controller (50) measures the response of customer telephony equipment (6) to the amplified analog signal and determines from the response and the amplified analog signal an electrical power dissipated by the high voltage amplifier during supply of the amplified analog signal. Controller (50) controls a power supply to adjust the voltage supplied to the high voltage amplifier (124) to avoid electrical power dissipated thereby during supply of the amplified analog signal from exceeding a desired maximum electrical power dissipation.

Abstract: A system and method for ascertaining the status of a telecommunications patching system and communicating that status to a remote location. Each of the patch panels in a telecommunications closet contains connector ports that receive the ends of patch cords. Tracing interface modules mount to the patch panels and provide a sensor for the connector ports. The sensor detects whenever a patch cord is connected to, or removed from, a connector port. A computer controller is connected to the various sensors in each rack to monitor changes to the patch cord interconnections. The computer controllers can be joined together in a network to monitor the status of the connector ports. The data on the network contains the full status of the telecommunications closet. The network can be accessed via a telecommunications network via a modem from a remote computer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for internally testing portions of a subscriber loop interface circuit. Testing may be conducted on a semiconductor circuit including the subscriber loop interface circuit. The portion of the subscriber loop interface circuit being tested may be the ring trip detector and/or the off-hook detect circuit. Testing of may be conducted without disabling the capability of the subscriber loop interface circuit to monitor the hook status of a subscriber.

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

Abstract: The current invention provides a method and apparatus for determining insertion loss in wireline communication systems. The method may be implemented with any modulation protocol but is particularly suited for multi-carrier modulation protocols such as discrete multi-tone (DMT). The method for calculation of the insertion loss uses a received signal and a discrete subset of frequency ranges, e.g. DMT tones, within that signal. For each of the subset of frequency ranges the average received power on each of the selected set of tones is determined. Next the average power on each received subset of tones is converted to log2 using a simple log2 estimation circuit that avoids the complexity associated with log tables and other prior art methods of computing logarithms. Then the sum of the log2 of the average power received in each of the selected subset of tone bins is determined.

Abstract: An adjustment and current-measurement method for a subscriber line circuit of a digital telephone exchange is integrated in the low-voltage section of the subscriber line circuit. A previously determined disturbance variable, which is stored in the low-voltage section with a reversed mathematical sign, is added to the currents which are to be measured, for example, for an adjustment of the supply current or of the operability of the subscriber line circuit. This makes it possible to carry out a current measurement for already corrected current levels.

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: The invention provides a system and method for testing a telephone or communications line to determine if the line qualifies for a particular type or class of communications service, for example DSL service. In accordance with one embodiment, a potential customer can download a software program. The program first performs a DSL distance qualification calculation. If the customer's line passes this step, the program determines whether the line coupled between the customer and a central office servicing that customer is electrically qualified for DSL communications. A series of tests to measure signal levels, noise, and other characteristics are performed by a test server, which generally include local loop tests to determine the presence of bridged taps, load coils, and subscriber line concentrators. After the tests are completed, the customer can receive the results, order completion and other instructions.

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: An apparatus for use in an all digital loop contains a first network node (30), a second network node (31), and a data transmission line (32) there between. Each one of the first and second network nodes (30, 31) is operable to transmit to the other at least one digitised telephone signal with other digital data via a set of carriers. One of the first and second network nodes (30, 31) thereto includes or is associated with means which in the event of power failure at the first network node (30), is operable selectively to provide power to the first node (30) such that the first node (30) operates only via a limited subset of said carriers. This limited subset is such as to minimise the power required for the transmission of a telephone lifeline signal between the first and second nodes (30, 31).

Abstract: A telephone micro-tester and transport system for testing smaller remote SLC customer's lines and terminal equipment is provided. A micro-tester is located at a remote terminal for measuring and storing signatures of test performed on the SLC customer's lines and terminal equipment to determine faults. A first modem is located at the remote terminal and is coupled to the micro-tester for transferring the measured and stored signatures of the test performed to a second modem. The second modem is located at the telephone company's central office for receiving the measured and stored signatures of the tests performed which are being transferred by the first modem. A synthesizer is located at the telephone company's central office and is coupled to the second modem for re-creating virtual signatures of the test performed by the micro-tester at the remote terminal and for transporting the them to a test system at the telephone company's central office.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for digital transmission of information via lines between a line termination (1) of a telecommunication network and subscribers (Tln) connected to the line termination. At least one terminal of a subscriber (Tln) is connected to a network termination (2) via an electric line (L3). The network termination (2) is connected to the line termination (1) via a line (L2) having metallic conductors. The line termination (1) has a voltage source (SV) for supplying power to itself and to the network termination (2) and the subscriber (Tln) terminals. For increased reliability during operation, two separate power supply units (SVE1, SVE2) are arranged in the network termination (2). One of the two separate power supply units (SVE1, SVE2) powers active components of the network termination (2) and the other of the two separate power supply units (SVE1, SVE2) powers the subscriber (Tln) terminals.

Abstract: When there is an error in setting of a companding law of an encoder or a decoder, there is a problem of an error in judgment although it should be originally judged that the continuity of the testing channel does not exist. Therefore, a channel check test system includes a transmitting side DCME for inserting a nonlinear quantized input test pattern into a channel to be tested, and a receiving side DCME.

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: The loop length, the number of bridge taps and the length of the bridged taps can be estimated by comparing through the use of differential evolution a measured frequency domain channel impulse response of the transmission line to a model of a transmission line that is composed of multiple sections and multiple bridge taps. The diagnostic and test information describing the condition of the line can then be exchanged, for example, by two transceivers during a diagnostic link mode, or the like.

Abstract: 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: Test functions to test an operability of a subscriber circuit are integrated in the subscriber circuit. The test functions use existing components and do not significantly burden the signal processor of the subscriber circuit. The subscriber circuit is provided in a digital telephone exchange having connectable subscriber lines and has a high-voltage section and a low-voltage section. Once an alternating current, which is produced by a tone generator, has been fed into connecting paths, a frequency-selective current threshold-value comparison is carried out, by which the operability of the subscriber circuit can quickly be confirmed.

Abstract: A method tests a subscriber line. The method includes providing a classifier to predict a performance characteristic of the line based at least in part on a value of an auxiliary variable. Each value of the auxiliary variable represents a property of the line. The method also includes performing electrical measurements on the subscriber line, using the measurements to predict a value of the auxiliary variable, and predicting the performance characteristic of the line. The act of predicting the characteristic applies the classifier to the predicted value of auxiliary variable.

Abstract: A cross connect physical layer switching system is integrated into a central office and facilitates delivering data services, such as digital subscriber line (DSL) service, to subscribers over a shared data and voice line. The cross connect physical layer switching system may be placed between a splitter and the shared line to allow a remote test unit to be controllably connected to the shared line to permit testing of the shared line by a competitive local exchange carrier (CLEC). By placing the physical layer switching system in the CO, both the CLEC and the incumbent local exchange carrier (ILEC) have full access to the test head (RTU) and full spectrum testing of the line. This allows test access to continue to be done remotely as in an unshared line environment.

Abstract: A characteristic of a local loop is used to estimate the loop's data carrying capacity. The characteristic is measured and applied to a table previously stored in memory which contains values relating the characteristic to downstream data rates. Using interpolation when required, an estimate of the data carrying capacity of the local loop is estimated based on the measured characteristic. The measured characteristic may be, for example, the input impedance or the DC resistance of the local loop.

Abstract: Telephone line service type identification is provided to a telephone technician in the field by the placement of one or more tuned circuit(s) across the telephone line. In one embodiment, an inexpensive tuned circuit such as a ceramic resonator forms a telecom service resonator ID device which is placed across a telephone line, either at the central office or at the customer premises. Injection of a test current at a predetermined frequency, and a suitable amplitude of the same indicates to the technician aspects of telecom service to that particular telephone line (e.g., the existence of POTS, ISDN, and/or xDSL) and or use of the telephone line by a home network such as HPNA. In another embodiment, a telecom service transponder ID device is formed to provide line service identification to an interrogating line technician. The telecom service transponder ID device is activated when the test signal including an appropriate frequency is present to cause excitation in the telecom service transponder ID device.

Abstract: A method for qualifying a local loop for DSL service identifies the loop on an individual basis with respect to a plurality of other loops, while determining a qualification result based on descriptive data and a different data source as dictated by the state of the description data. The method includes determining an end to end path that individually identifies the loop, gathering descriptive data, and determining the qualification result. The qualification result is based on the descriptive data and further based on the different data sources dictated by the state of the set of loop description data.

Abstract: A gateway system prevent an occurrence of a call loss and an inaccessibility of the SG and can effectively utilize communication lines, even if a fault occurs on the MGC side. In the gateway system, a PC is supplied to an SG connected to a plurality of MGCs, and an occurrence of a call loss and an inaccessibility of the SC can be prevented by incorporating to the SG a function that requires line close operation for an opposed node of the SCN when a fault occurs on the MGC which is structured to have no PC.

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

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

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a method for controlling the transmission power for a session in a system for transmitting data via a telephone line by using a digital subscriber line between a user terminal and a central unit. In the method, the transmission power is increased or decreased between given limit values so that the power is kept as low as possible, while still providing sufficient transmission quality. The quality criteria according to which the transmission power is controlled consistis of the value of the Signal to Noise Ratio (S/N), and the number of bit errors BER within a given time interval.

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

Abstract: A system and method for accessing a number of communication lines by one or more testing devices is disclosed. Each of the communications lines is coupled through the system and includes a first termination at a first telecommunications termination site and a second termination at a second telecommunications termination site. The system includes a number of line access devices, each of which is coupled to at least one of the communication lines terminating at the first telecommunications termination site and at least one of the communication lines terminating at the second telecommunications termination site. The system further includes a test device interface, signal direction circuitry, a communications device that facilitates remote access to the test access system by a remote processing unit, and a control device.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for internally testing portions of a subscriber loop interface circuit. Testing may be conducted on a semiconductor circuit including the subscriber loop interface circuit. The portion of the subscriber loop interface circuit being tested may be the ring trip detector and/or the off-hook detect circuit. Testing may be conducted without disabling the capability of the subscriber loop interface circuit to monitor the hook status of a subscriber.

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: 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: In a subscriber loop interface circuit, a novel method and apparatus for measuring loop impedance. Measurement of loop impedance including charging and discharging a capacitor using current derived from loop current and loop voltage. The discharge time interval of the capacitor may provide information on loop impedance. A look-up table in a subscriber loop interface circuit may include previously calculated impedance values corresponding to discharge time.

Abstract: A Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer includes a set of line cards, a set of xDSL modem cards, a redundant xDSL modem card, a test and switching unit, a control unit, and a trunk unit. Each line card may include a switch, through which the control unit may selectively direct the line card to couple to a corresponding xDSL modem card or a redundancy bus. The test and switching unit is coupled to the redundancy bus, and includes a relay matrix and a Copper Loop Tester (CLT). In response to commands received from the control unit, the relay matrix may route redundancy bus signals to the CLT and/or the redundant xDSL modem card. The CLT performs tests to measure or determine subscriber loop electrical characteristics in response to control unit commands, and returns test results to the control unit.

Abstract: Computers commonly connect to remote computers and networks using the telephone lines. A telephone line is composed of a positive line (Ring) and a negative line (Tip). Because there is no guarantee, in general, which line on a two-conductor telephone jack will be positive and which will be negative, diode bridges are often used to assure correct polarity of devices coupled to the telephone lines. Commonly computers connect to telephone lines using modems, which plug into the computer. The modems often contain two jacks, one to connect the modem to the telephone line, the other to provide an outlet for a telephone. Commonly both jacks are wired in parallel. Embodiments of the inventions provide for wiring the telephone jacks in opposite polarity, or switching polarity via jumpers. A method is provided to detect a telephone plug in the jack of incorrect polarity. A user may be instructed in advance or prompted to switch jacks or jumpers if necessary and the need for the diode bridge is eliminated.

Abstract: A subscriber circuit and method for the internal functional testing of the subscriber circuit, wherein the circuit contains at least one signal processor, with a control device, an evaluation device and a device for generating test signals, at least one A/D converter and at least one high voltage part, a circuit arrangement for line monitoring of the subscriber circuit with a number of switches being provided in the at least one high voltage part, and wherein the control device is configured such that all the switches are closed in a test operating state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated sectionalization of a DS1/DS3 data path based upon information received at a single location along the path. A test and monitor device is located at a point of demarcation between an LEC and an IEC. A Remote Module is located at a point of demarcation between the LEC and CPE. The test and monitor device is fully ANSI compatible. The information that is received is processed in a three step process in order to generate a “Sectionalizer Report”. In preparing the Sectionalizer Report, the information output from a filter is used to determine where particular Events originated.

Abstract: A method determines a structure of a subscriber line. The method includes searching a reference set for a match between the subscriber line and a model line of the reference set and identifying that the subscriber line has a specific physical structure. The match is based on electrical properties of the lines. The act of identifying is responsive to finding a match with one of the model lines that has the specific physical structure.

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 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 method and apparatus for testing and measuring transmission line parameters, such as the post-dial delay, the line rate, the noise level and the signal level, among others. The method comprises the step of enabling an echo canceler present in the transmission line and afterwards measuring the parameters of the line.

Abstract: A digital subscriber line (xDSL) communication system (10) is disclosed that allows xDSL communication across a local loop. The system (10) includes a local loop termination point (14) and customer premises equipment (12) connected to a twisted pair telephone line (16). Loop integrity test devices (22, 24) for xDSL communication are located at the local loop termination point (14) and the customer premises equipment (12) and are coupled to the telephone line (16). The loop integrity test devices (22, 24) are respectively operable to transmit test signatures across the telephone line (16), to receive and evaluate test signatures from the telephone line (16), and to indicate whether the telephone line (16) can support xDSL communication based upon evaluation of test signatures.

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 system for diagnosing failures of ADSL comprises an access module for locating and monitoring the subscriber lines providing the ADSL services, a plurality of ADSL test devices each having various extension test boards corresponding to the test kinds detected for the failures of the subscriber lines accessed by the access module, and a control device for controlling the ADSL test devices. Preferably, extension boards may be additionally provided to adapt for increase of the number of the subscribers.

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

Abstract: A method for controlling transmission power from a customer premise equipment device over a local loop of a digital subscriber line involves determinating a maximum power level for transmissions over the local loop. The maximum power level is based on a response of the local loop to a test signal to allow a different loop in the binder group to have a different maximum power level to reduce potential for crosstalk in the binder group.