Abstract: A communication system emulator digitally emulates a plurality of signal impairments created by the transmitter and receiver components and communication medium in a typical communication system, for use in evaluating and refining modem design. A variety of linear and non-linear distortion characteristics are impressed on baseband signals between modulators and demodulators to evaluate and refine modem performance without requiring transmission frequency components or communication channel. The emulator comprises transmit modules, receive modules and communication media modules, and can accept or output analog or digital signals. Each module is configurable to allow modeling of simplex or duplex communication, or a common base station with multiple users transmitting or receiving, all configurations with or without communication media impairment emulation. Each module can be configured to add a plurality of linear and non-linear impairments to a baseband signal.

Abstract: A method of generating a set of test sequences for evaluating interoperability of a number of interconnected communication systems with respect to a desired mode of communication between a first end user and a second end user. A number of operational states that are required of the communication systems to implement the desired mode of operation between the two end users is determined, wherein each state pertains to a first operation of a first gateway system associated with the first end user and a corresponding second operation of a second gateway system associated with the second end user. The interconnected communication systems are tested by causing the systems to perform specified transitions between pairs of at least some of the operational states.

Abstract: A method and system for remote operator interface with a self-service transaction terminal, such as an ATM makes use of a set of web based applications for operator functions to enable the remote operator to access the operator functions over a standard browser from a remote operator interface client PC. Each ATM with which the remote operator interface is used has a set of web based applications that supports the operator functions. The operator accesses the ATM from the client PC by bringing up the browser and entering a URL to point to a specific ATM. The remote operator interface supports a plurality of supervisory type functions and enables the user to administer a plurality of ATMs for which it is configured to allow the particular functions to be performed. Communication via the remote operator interface is secure over a private network or virtual private network (VPN) over the Internet. The remote operator must be authenticated to gain access, and the operator's entitlements may limit access.

Abstract: Processes and systems are disclosed for managing a request for a test of a communication system. One embodiment communicates with a communications network and acquires the request. The request may be annotated with at least one of a date, a time, and an origin of the request. The embodiment formats the request with testability data desired by a test system conducting the test of the communication system. The formatted request is submitted to the test system, and then the results of the test are acquired. The embodiment distributes the results, wherein the process manages requests and results for tests of the communication system.

Abstract: A simulation system that simulates a customer premises is disclosed that is tunable. The simulation system is comprised of a communication media simulator system and a device simulator system. The communication media simulator system receives a service provider signal from a service provider. The communication media simulator system applies a load to the service provider signal to simulate a length of communication media. The communication media simulator system varies the load to adjust the length of communication media simulated. The device simulator system applies a second load to the service provider signal to simulate at least one customer premises device.

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 simulation system that simulates a length of communication media is disclosed that is tunable. Examples of communication media include wire, coaxial cable, and fiber. The simulation system is comprised of a communication media simulator system. The communication media simulator system receives a service provider signal from a service provider. The communication media simulator system applies a load to the service provider signal to simulate the length of communication media. The communication media simulator system varies the load to adjust the length of communication media simulated.

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 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 portable, automated telephone line test device includes a test module which applies test signals to a telephone line to be tested and detects electrical characteristics of the telephone line, and a user interface module. The user interface module includes a microprocessor, a display, a keyboard and a program memory in accordance with a standard microcomputer architecture. The processor of the user interface module is programmed to control the test module to perform a pre-programmed sequence of tests. The display provides indications of the tests being performed. The programmed sequence is varied by the device according to test results. Depending on the results obtained, the device also provides interpretative diagnostic messages and instructs the user to carry out additional test procedures.

Abstract: A 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 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 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 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: 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 unit may be implemented using electronic circuitry or using an intelligent computer system.

Abstract: This invention relates to bulk testing of voice messaging applications by playing back an interaction from a recorded script. During development of a voice response system and application it is necessary to simulate a plurality of calls to the system so that the performance under strain can be monitored. Such a simulation can be performed by a bulk call generator which makes real telephone calls to the IVR through a private branch switch. However with bulk call testing some problems occur which rigorous functional and/or performance testing does not find. This is because real callers behave in unpredictable ways which were not expected or assumed by the creators of the functional and/or performance tests.

Abstract: A system and method of testing voice signals in a telecommunication system, such as a voice messaging system (VMS), are provided. A test signal is generated to elicit a response from the telecommunication system, and a voice signal produced by the telecommunication system in response to the test signal is detected. To evaluate the detected voice signal, the system accesses stored reference phrases, where one or more designated reference phrases can be combined to form an expected voice signal. The detected voice signal is compared with at least one designated reference phrase to determine if the detected voice signal substantially corresponds to the expected voice signal. In a preferred embodiment, the voice signal and reference phrases are divided into component frames of substantially equal time durations, then compared frame by frame to determine if the detected voice signal and the expected voice signal substantially correspond.

Abstract: An air interface simulator and simulation method is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simulating telephony services and providing information about telephony services and products without the use of a public carrier telephone system. The system includes at least one Telephone Interface (TI), connected between a telephone and the simulation system. The emulator receives, decodes and validates a user initiated command signal, converts it into a control signal and activates a playback sequence which emulates telephone services. A plurality of different telephone functions and services can be simulated without connection to external telephone lines or wireless service.