Abstract: Methods and apparatus of managing a communication system, wherein a decision regarding a level of activity at a first end is made based at least in part on the level of activity at the second end. In one embodiment, the energy level of a first-end audio signal is measured. The first end is declared voice-active if the first-end energy level is greater than or equal to a first threshold value. The first end is declared voice-inactive if the first-end energy level is less than the first threshold value. To determine the value of the first threshold value, the energy level of a second-end audio signal is measured. If the second-end energy level is greater than or equal to a second threshold value, the second end is declared voice-active, in which case the first threshold is maintained at a relatively high level. If the second-end energy level is less than the second threshold value, the second end is declared voice-inactive, in which case the first threshold is maintained at a relatively lower level.

Abstract: A problem detection and repair system receives a trouble indication indicating a problem with a network. The trouble indication may be the result of automated monitoring of the network, or a user of communication services contacting an operator of the network to report trouble. Communication services may include telephone service, television service, Internet service, and other services delivered via a network. The trouble indication may be paired with the user's account, and one or more status determinations may be made prior to handing the user to a support person. Based on the results of the status determinations, problems may be detected, and repairs automatically attempted. If needed, the user may be forwarded to a support person along with the results of the status determinations and any attempted repairs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for minimizing alien crosstalk between connectors. Specifically, the methods and systems relate to isolation and compensation techniques for minimizing alien crosstalk between connectors for use with high-speed data cabling. A frame can be configured to receive a number of connectors. Shield structures may be positioned to isolate at least a subset of the connectors from one another. The connectors can be positioned to move at least a subset of the connectors away from alignment with a common plane. A signal compensator may be configured to adjust a data signal to compensate for alien crosstalk. The connectors are configured to efficiently and accurately propagate high-speed data signals by, among other functions, minimizing alien crosstalk.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods for determining the characteristics of a local loop using the multi-carrier tones of a DSL activation process. For one embodiment, one or more sets of downstream multi-carrier tones of a digital subscriber line activation process are received at an extended voice-band modem and are capable of transmitting upstream multi-carrier tones of the digital subscriber line activation process over a local loop. The downstream carrier tones and the upstream carrier tones are folded into a first multi-tone signal and a second multi-tone signal, respectively, each having a plurality of component signals within the spectrum band of the extended voice-based modem. The total signal power of the first multi-tone signal is divided by the power of one of the plurality of component signals of the second multi-tone signal to determine a ratio value. The ratio value is used to determine a characteristic of the local loop.

Abstract: A DSL communication method is used for interconnecting a user and a center by using a 2-wire telephone line and a DSL communications technology so that the user and the center perform an intercommunication. The DSL communication method comprises the step of monitoring a signal-to-noise ratio of an accepted DSL, the step of judging whether or not the signal-to-noise ratio is within a predetermined range, and the step of interrupting the intercommunication once and thereafter reconnecting the user and the center, when the signal-to-noise ratio is judged not to be within the predetermined range for a duration longer than a reference time.

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

Abstract: A method 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.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes performing at least part of a digital subscriber line (DSL) handshaking process by transmitting at least one handshaking signal via a telephone subscriber loop, and analyzing the at least one handshaking signal to detect a characteristic of the telephone subscriber loop.

Abstract: An apparatus and technique for determining whether a telephone loop is capable of carrying a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) signal. Time domain reflected (TDR) signals that are echoes of transmit impulse signals are processed using time domain echo averaging and echo enhancement using second-order statistics. Each technique allows clearer visualization of the TDR echo signal by reducing the noise and distortion present in the TDR signals. These statistical signal processing techniques allow determination of telephone loop characteristics such as loop length once the TDR echo signal amplitude and time index are calculated.

Abstract: A single ended, frequency domain reflectometry signal processing based scheme measures loop loss of a telecommunications wireline. A distortion-corrected, normalized data array is differentially combined with an associated set of wireline noise spectrum values. The resulting noise margin data is processed by a Shannon Theorem operator, to produce a set of N frequency bins, each containing the number of bits which the link will support for a respective tone. The bit contents of the bins represent a composite bit rate that is available for use for ADSL signalling.

Abstract: A delay-line time-domain reflectometer includes a return detector configured to process a discharge pulse produced by discharge of a line capacitor, formed by the physical relationship of a pair of conductive wires forming a telephone line, from a predetermined DC voltage. The return detector includes a number of neural networks configured to process the discharge pulse under the control of a controller. The neural networks enable the controller to characterize the loop configuration of the telephone line, where the loop configuration includes the length of the telephone line, the position of any bridged tap connected to the telephone line and/or the length of any bridged tap connected to the telephone line.

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: 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: Apparatus and method for a central office data communications apparatus allows for combining the voice POTS and high speed modem data processing functions into one device at the central office. The combination of the signals allows for a single high-speed CODEC which samples both a POTS signal and the high-speed modem signals to be utilized. This eliminates the need for external POTS splitters and costly duplicative circuitry.

Abstract: A sensor capable of being coupled to a transmission line and monitoring a foreign voltage on the transmission line includes a voltage monitoring circuit. The voltage monitoring circuit is adapted to operate in a foreign voltage detection mode in response to receiving a first logic signal and a foreign voltage measurement mode in response to receiving a second logic signal. A method for operating a circuit to detect and measure a foreign voltage on a transmission line includes providing a first logic signal to configure the circuit to detect the foreign voltage. The foreign voltage is detected on the transmission line in the circuit. A second logic signal is provided to configure the circuit to measure the foreign voltage, and the foreign voltage is measured.