Abstract: A physical storage volume can be partitioned into a plurality of master blocks of an equal master block size. Each master block of the plurality of master blocks can be allocated for storage of a single storage page size of a plurality of predefined storage page sizes provided for storage of data by a data storage application. A received page size can be determined for a storage page designated by the data storage application for storage on the physical storage volume, and the storage page can be stored in a free block of a master block of the plurality of master blocks having the single page size equivalent to the received page size. Related methods, systems, and articles of manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: To assist with the detection of unfiltered device(s), a system observes how the received noise changes between two links as the transmit signal is changed. Harmful unfiltered nonlinear devices will generate significant noise that depends on the transmitted signals; therefore, this additional noise can be quantified to some extent by comparing the observed noise for two different transmit signals. The total noise can be determined from the SNR if the received signal is known. The received signal may be read directly in some non-standard systems, or it may be determined from the known transmit signal and channel attenuation, which is sometimes the case in standard-compliant links, but often with a relatively large error. To circumvent this problem, certain embodiments of this invention only consider the change in noise between two links with the same channel attenuation. This differential comparison makes it unnecessary to accurately know the channel attenuation.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for data processing in a digital subscriber line environment are provided. In one aspect a method includes (i) determining a deterioration of a connection between a centralized unit and a decentralized unit during an initialization of the connection; and (ii) disabling the connection based on the deterioration.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, there are provided apparatus, systems and methods for detecting a boundary condition via common mode diagnostics; and to apparatus, systems and methods for detecting a fault condition via common-mode rejection ratio diagnostics. For example, in one embodiment such means include, means for injecting differential mode signal probes onto two conductors of a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL line); means for measuring a common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR) of the differential mode signal probes; means for measuring impedance of the differential mode signal probes; and means for identifying which of an asymmetric fault condition or a symmetric fault condition is present on the line based on both: (a) the measured CMRR of the differential mode signal probes and (b) the measured impedance of the differential mode signal probes.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool is adapted to include the capability of initiating one or more diagnostic tests, collecting the raw data from the diagnostic test(s) and transporting the raw diagnostic data to an OSS. The OSS interprets the raw diagnostic data and stores the results in a database. The stored results can be searched, sorted, manipulated, analyzed, and the like. The results of any of these operations can then be, for example, displayed to one or more entities such as customer support, network operators, network planners, or the like.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool is adapted to include the capability of initiating one or more diagnostic tests, collecting the raw data from the diagnostic test(s) and transporting the raw diagnostic data to an OSS. The OSS interprets the raw diagnostic data and stores the results in a database. The stored results can be searched, sorted, manipulated, analyzed, and the like. The results of any of these operations can then be, for example, displayed to one or more entities such as customer support, network operators, network planners, or the like.

Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, a data interface circuit is provided. The data interface circuit comprises data sources, input blocks, a space switch, output blocks and a multi-core processor. The data interface circuit allows data provided in different voltage ranges and sampling frequencies to be transmitted to the appropriate core in the multi-core processor via the switch. Data conversion elements in the input blocks convert data from the data sources and having varying voltage ranges and sampling frequencies into data having a voltage range and sampling frequency suitable for the space switch. Analogously, data conversion elements in the output blocks convert data from the space switch into data having a voltage range and sampling frequency suitable for the corresponding core in the multi-core processor. In one embodiment, level shifters and FIFO buffers are used in the input blocks and output blocks.

Abstract: Example methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to trigger preemptive maintenance of vectored digital subscriber line (DSL) systems are disclosed. An example method includes generating a trouble ticket for a first subscriber loop based on a result of a diagnostic test, the diagnostic test being performed on the first subscriber loop when a value representing crosstalk coupling between the first subscriber loop and a second subscriber loop exceeds a threshold. The first subscriber loop and the second subscriber loop belong to a vectored group of subscriber loops contained in a same cable binder. The example method includes submitting the trouble ticket.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method and apparatus for testing a component of a vectoring system, such as a DSLAM performing crosstalk cancellation. The method is based on the insight that line termination equipment, such as a DSLAM, and in particular the crosstalk canceller, can be used to simulate a multiline network. A signal is exchanged between the line termination equipment and attached network termination equipment, passing through the crosstalk canceller which acts as a multiline simulator. Information indicative of an error component in a received version of the signal is used to assess the operation the vectoring system.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool is adapted to include the capability of initiating one or more diagnostic tests, collecting the raw data from the diagnostic test(s) and transporting the raw diagnostic data to an OSS. The OSS interprets the raw diagnostic data and stores the results in a database. The stored results can be searched, sorted, manipulated, analyzed, and the like. The results of any of these operations can then be, for example, displayed to one or more entities such as customer support, network operators, network planners, or the like.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for identifying subscriber lines coupled to transceivers of interest. In one exemplary embodiment, an end of a subscriber line is coupled to and terminated by a transceiver of interest. The other end of the subscriber line is coupled to a speaker. The transceiver is then selectively activated and deactivated causing it to transmit its normal frequency spectrum in a predefined pattern. The frequency spectrum includes frequencies audible to humans. Thus, the speaker produces sound capable of being heard by a human, and the sound exhibits periods of noise followed by periods of silence. Indeed, the periods of noise and silence are in a pattern according to the activation/deactivation pattern of the transceiver. Thus, a user can identify the subscriber line that is coupled to the transceiver by identifying which of the lines is coupled to the speaker when the speaker emits noise and silence according to the predefined pattern.

Abstract: Subscriber line maintenance apparatus and methods are disclosed. A maintenance operation is performed on a subscriber line in a communication system by an embedded test unit. The test unit limits an effect of the maintenance operation on communication signals that are transferred on the subscriber line during the maintenance operation. In one embodiment, the communication signals are high-frequency signals, and the limiting is achieved by performing the maintenance operation through a low-pass filter, such as the low pass filter of a Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) splitter. The test unit may be implemented as a daughter card carried by another electronic circuit card in a Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer (DSLAM), for example, so that the test unit does not occupy its own card slot in an equipment shelf. One, or more than one, test unit may be provided to serve multiple equipment shelves in a distributed communication equipment architecture.

Abstract: Through the use of a least squares minimization concept, the loop length, the number of bridged taps and length of the bridged taps on a transmission line can be determined from readily available modem data. In particular, the loop length, the number of bridge taps and the length of bridged taps can be estimated by comparing a measured frequency domain channel impulse response of the transmission line to a model of a loop that is comprised of multiple sections and multiple bridge taps.

Abstract: Through the use of a least squares minimization concept, the loop length, the number of bridged taps and length of the bridged taps on a transmission line can be determined from readily available modem data. In particular, the loop length, the number of bridge taps and the length of bridged taps can be estimated by comparing a measured frequency domain channel impulse response of the transmission line to a model of a loop that is comprised of multiple sections and multiple bridge taps.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling all network elements in a geographically diverse network to advance each call setup message that has not been processed successfully by these network elements to their identical backup network elements to attempt to advance and process the original signaling message are disclosed. In other words, the affected call setup message is advanced to an identical network element that serves as a backup to the original network element in order to advance the call establishment to minimize call failure.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool is adapted to include the capability of initiating one or more diagnostic tests, collecting the raw data from the diagnostic test(s) and transporting the raw diagnostic data to an OSS. The OSS interprets the raw diagnostic data and stores the results in a database. The stored results can be searched, sorted, manipulated, analyzed, and the like. The results of any of these operations can then be, for example, displayed to one or more entities such as customer support, network operators, network planners, or the like.

Abstract: A system and/or method for metering and marking packets of data incoming into a communication system having in some embodiments primary and secondary meter selectors, primary and secondary metering processors and a pipeline and wrapper interface controller. Further methods involve measuring an incoming microflow against one or two specified temporal profiles using a two-level metering hierarchy.

Abstract: A modem testing system is provided for testing interoperability of plural items of customer premises equipment (CPEs) (10) and plural central offices (COs) (60). The modem testing system includes a line simulator (50), a switch (40), and a controller (30). The line simulator is connected to the CPEs and COs for simulating various types of lines and noise statuses. The switch is connected to the line simulator, the CPEs, and the COs for switching connections between the CPEs and the COs. The controller is connected to the line simulator, the switch, the CPEs, and the COs for controlling the switch to set up communications between the CPEs and the COs according to a mapping list, and controlling the line simulator to simulate various types of lines and noises statuses. An exemplary modem testing method is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for estimating the insertion loss of a telephone line. A complex waveform is applied to each wire of the telephone line being tested. Real and imaginary components of the resultant waveform are measured at a plurality of frequencies. Insertion loss of the line is estimated from a series of single-ended voltage measurements made at a plurality of frequencies. These measurements are captured and used to estimate the insertion loss of the telephone line.

Abstract: A diagnostic tool is adapted to include the capability of initiating one or more diagnostic tests, collecting the raw data from the diagnostic test(s) and transporting the raw diagnostic data to an OSS. The OSS interprets the raw diagnostic data and stores the results in a database. The stored results can be searched, sorted, manipulated, analyzed, and the like. The results of any of these operations can then be, for example, displayed to one or more entities such as customer support, network operators, network planners, or the like.

Abstract: The invention refers to single-ended test of a loop (2, 3). A test device (TD1) is connected to a remote device (3) via a line (2). The remote device is powered on and transmits intermittently handshake signals (HS1), which can disturb the loop test. A receiving and calculating unit (RE1) detects the handshake signals (HS1) and orders a sending unit (SD1) to send a halting signal (NAK-EF) to the remote device. The latter is halted for predetermined silent period of time, during which the test or a part of it is performed. If required the halting of the handshake signals is repeated. The test device sends a broadband loop test signal (S1) and receives a reflected signal (S2) during the silent period. A frequency dependent echo transfer function is generated from the signals (S1, S2) and is used for generating desired properties of the line (2) such as its length (L).

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: Method and system for determining data transfer margins and/or bit rates for network connections, the physical length of a network connection between a transmitter and receiver being known. A power spectrum is measured depending upon transfer frequency for possible modem types. Attenuation, and thus actual signal strength, is determined for different physical lengths and cable wire thicknesses of the network connection. Noise level is determined at least depending upon crosstalk parameters, number of interference sources, and equalizer factors based on the power spectrum. The data transfer margins are determined for different data transmission modulations and/or modulation codings for a pre-defined bit rate, based on the actual signal strengths and corresponding noise levels, by a Gaussian transformation module. The data transfer margins are corrected by a correction factor containing average deviation of the stored data transfer margin with respect to the actual data transfer margin.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for verifying communications paths on a network. A test signal is forwarded between network nodes to evaluate quality of service in an IP telephony system. A test call is generated by a call initiator, communicated to one or more network devices, and forwarded from the one or more network devices to a call recipient according to address information associated with the test call. During the test call, a test signal is communicated between the call initiator, the call recipient, and the one or more network devices. The quality of service of the IP telephony network is evaluated according to characteristics associated with the test signal.

Abstract: A digital wideband node (DWN) (28, 48) is coupled to a remote terminal (RT) (22, 42) that in turn is coupled to a subscriber's telephone line (26, 46). The DWN (28, 48) is configured to (1) pass a subscriber's telephone number signal directly to the RT (22, 42) whereupon a test path (25, 45) is formed with the subscriber's telephone line (26, 46), (2) pass POTS test signals directly to the RT (22, 42) for testing the subscriber's telephone line (26, 46) via the test path (25, 45) and (3) process wideband test control signals into wideband test signals which are conveyed to the RT (22, 42) for wideband testing of the subscriber's telephone line (26, 46) via the test path (25, 45).

Abstract: The voice quality of telephone calls is evaluated. A first connection is established between a computerized apparatus and a person acting as a first experimenter, and a second connection is established between the platform and a second experimenter. The first and second connections are interconnected by the computerized apparatus to establish a call between the two experimenters and enable them to converse, the apparatus being cut into the call in order to acquire data about the call. The experimenters' opinions are solicited concerning their perceptions of the quality level they observe during their conversation. The apparatus evaluates consistency of the data collected with the nominal experimental conditions and the nominal quality level associated with the current test. Then, a determination is made as to how the current test is to be carried out as a function of a test plan and of the result of the evaluation.

Abstract: A method for measuring a quality of a line network using an in-service non-intrusive measurement device monitoring of live traffic measurement process includes determining reference values of parameters of the in-service non-intrusive measurement process for a connection over at least a part of the line network and storing the determined reference values in a memory so that the determined reference values are allocated to the part of the line network. The part of the line network is monitored using the in-service non-intrusive measurement process so as to generate measured values of the parameters of the in-service non-intrusive measurement process. The measured values are compared with the respective stored determined reference values so that correspondences with and divergences from the stored determined reference values are recognizable and capable of being evaluated with regard to a quality of transmission.

Abstract: A method and system for providing an accurate service record to communication devices seeking modem-based services. The system includes a phone line detector capable of detecting whether a properly working phone line connection exists. This can be accomplished by detecting whether a phone line is actually plugged into a phone jack connected to a modem of a communication device. If a proper phone line connection exists, then the communication device generates a service record identifying, among other services, all modem-based services that the communication device can offer to other communication devices in search of a modem or modem-based service.

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: A system for monitoring a plurality of communication circuits includes an impedance element configured to be switchably connected to one of the plurality of communication circuits. The impedance element is configured as a short circuit relative to the one of the plurality of communication circuits. The system includes an AC current mirror in communication with the impedance element. The system includes a monitor access element in communication with the AC current mirror. The system includes a communication circuit monitor configured to be connected to the monitor access element. To monitor the one of the plurality of communication circuits, the impedance element is switchably connected to the one of the plurality of communication circuits, thereby connecting the communication circuit monitor to the one of the plurality of communication circuits with a minimum of disruption to data communication within the one of the plurality of communication circuits.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a new device or service can be treated as an abstraction, allowing a model to be created which mimics operation of the device or service, but which does not physically exist. A communication system may then take physical assets that are distributed around a network, such as circuit packs with ports on them, and virtually plug them into a shelf that does not physically exist. A legacy system preferably continues to function as it always has and the abstraction mediates between the legacy operations support systems, the virtual machine and the physical reality. This then allows for the continued use of existing operation systems to manage new network architectures with services different from those originally contemplated by the legacy operations support systems.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a communications circuit includes at least one impedance element connected to the communications circuit when the communications circuit is established. Communication devices communicating via the communications circuit adapt to the presence of the at least one impedance element. Each impedance element is switchably connected to a respective reference ground point. The system includes at least one monitor access element configured as a virtual reference ground point. Each impedance element is switchably disconnected from a respective monitor access element. The system includes at least one communications circuit monitor connected to the respective monitor access element. To monitor the communications circuit, the at least one impedance element is switchably connected to the respective monitor access element and switchably disconnected from the respective reference ground point.

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: Disclosed is a method for supporting coherent multi-node access to file system data. The method can be employed in a network having first and second nodes coupled to each other via a first communication link, and a peripheral data storage device coupled to the first and second nodes via a second communication link. In one embodiment, the method includes generating a request to access data of a file stored in the peripheral data storage device. A file system, executing on the first node, then generates a first message. A first software module, executing on the first node, generates an instruction in response to the file system generating the first message. This instruction is then transmitted to the second node via the first communication link. A portion of meta data stored in memory associated with the second node is invalidated in response to the second node receiving the instruction, wherein the portion of meta data stored in memory associated with the second node corresponds to the file.

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: 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: An upstream transceiver, coupled to an upstream end of a long haul, single digital subscriber loop of an extended range asymmetrical digital subscriber line communication system, ‘spoofs’ a (co-located) digital subscriber line access multiplexer to reduce its downstream data rate over a short haul loop to the upstream transceiver. The reduced downstream data rate is compatible with the data rate that can be supported by the long haul loop and also accommodates an auxiliary (64K) POTS channel thereover. The reduced data rate may be derived by preliminary signal quality measurements upon the long communication loop conducted between the upstream transceiver and a downstream transceiver coupled to a remote end of the long haul loop.

Abstract: The mobile station includes a system for using open channel time not needed during access to the wireless web. The mobile station monitors the use of the channel, and determines when the user is no longer transmitting or receiving information. Until the current network session terminates, the mobile station may operate in the background to either send or receive information with the network. Any action taken by the user would take priority over the background operations.

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: This apparatus for testing an asymmetric digital subscriber line includes, arranged in a case, a low-frequency signal generator which generator is adapted to be connected to an input terminal block of an access multiplexer of a telephone exchange and which generator is adapted to inject into the latter a signal simulating the presence of a telephone line, an amplifier linked to a speaker and intended to be connected to an output terminal block of the said multiplexer and intended to retrieve and amplify the signal transmitted by the generator to an audible level, and a modem intended to be connected to the said output terminal block to test a modem of the access multiplexer by checking synchronization between these modems.

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 for qualifying telephone lines for high speed data services. The system takes measurements on a line under test and matches those measurements to a model of a line. The model of the line is used to predict whether the line will support data services at a particular level. If the model of the line includes a service affecting condition that is removable from the line, a new model is created reflecting the line as it would appear with the service affecting condition removed. The new model is then used to predict performance. If the required performance level is predicted based on the new model, the line is categorized as a line that can not support the required level of data services, but could if repaired. In this way, an accurate and useful prediction of line performance is provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a technique for power cutback of DSL transceivers (e.g., modems) using public switched telephone network (PSTN) signaling. For example, one or more dual-tone/multiple frequency (DTMF) signals generated by a touch-tone telephone, or other device, can cause a DSL transceiver to reduce the power of upstream data communications. A user of a DSL modem can cause the modem to transmit upstream data while listening to the microphone of a telephone coupled to the same twisted-pair line. Data transmission power can be adjusted by use of one or more buttons on the telephone. The DSL transceiver, in response to one or more predetermined DTMF signals, can adjust transmission power. Thus, the power cutback of the DSL transceiver can be controlled using PSTN signaling.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maintaining access to lifeline services through telephone sets provided with telephone service from a voice over digital subscriber loop (VoDSL) transceiver during power interruptions are described. All telephone sets associated with the transceiver are connected to a wire loop which supports the VoDSL service in the event of a power interruption to the transceiver. The advantage is the economical provision of lifeline service access to all telephone sets when power is interrupted to the transceiver. Thus, confusion is reduced, safety is enhanced, and access to lifeline services is ensured during emergency situations.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for operating a communications system, wherein a telecommunications network provides a transmission channel in order to transfer a message between connected subscribers. The method includes the following steps: monitor the functional reliability of a first subscriber line connected to a switching station; generate a fault message if this subscriber line is not functionally reliable; and transmit this fault message to a second subscriber.

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: The invention relates to a method, according to which, tasks arriving from a switching facility (12) or from another location are accepted by a terminal (14), in particular, in the framework of a call distribution. A change of the occupancy state of the terminal (14) is effected upon the attainment and falling below of a predetermined number of tasks to be simultaneously processed. The change is noted in the switching facility (12) and in the terminal (14). The flawless execution of the change of the occupancy state is automatically monitored by a program located on the side of the terminal (14).

Abstract: System and method for controlling an ancillary telecommunications device such as an echo canceller within a telecommunications system. The system and method include and involve a switching system that is configured to receive a call from a calling station and to route said call within said telecommunications system, and an ancillary telecommunications device that is configured to control a call processing parameter to affect the call. The switching system and the ancillary telecommunications device are coupled to each other via a channelized call data network. The channelized call data network is configured to communicate data corresponding to the call over at least one data channel. The ancillary telecommunications device may control the call processing parameter to affect the call based on a continuity test issued by the switching system to the ancillary telecommunications device prior to the call.

Abstract: Generation of a compensation signal for canceling the distortion component of a distorted signal at an affected node, where the distortion component is caused by electro-magnetic coupling from a distortion-causing signal source. The distortion-causing signal is coupled into a distortion cancellation system using capacitive or electro-magnetic coupling techniques, resulting in the generation of an induced voltage. The induced voltage is fed to an impedance network and then to a plurality of cells, one for each of the affected nodes. The compensation signal appearing at the output of the cell is combined with the distorted signal at the corresponding affected node. By appropriately selecting the impedance values of the components in the corresponding cell, substantial cancellation of the distortion from the distortion-causing signal source can be achieved. The system can be simplified if the degree to which the distortion-causing signal source couples into the distorted signal is determined ahead of time.

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.