Terminal Arrangement To Enable Remote Testing (e.g., Testing Interface) Patents (Class 379/29.01)
  • Patent number: 7702078
    Abstract: A method for analyzing automatic line insulation testing (ALIT) data comprising inserting ALIT error data into an ALIT database that includes records for exceptions located in the error data. A number of exceptions occurring on a selected summary date is calculated in response to receiving a summary request from a user including the selected summary date. Input to the calculating is the selected summary date and the ALIT database. The number of exceptions occurring on the summary date is transmitted to the user in response to the calculating. The user records located in the ALIT database that include a selected detail date are transmitted to the user in response to receiving from the user a request including the selected detail date. The ALIT database is updated with repair package information in response to receiving an add repair package request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property, I, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Hollis Wright, Dianna Gatson
  • Patent number: 7702080
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for localizing a defect in a in-house access plant operable to carry broadband communication services. A method according to the invention further comprises the steps of: instructing a user of said in-house access plant to manipulate in-house equipment through an automated and interactive communication session, determining timing information for each manipulation that is carried out, performing remote quality measurements over said in-house access plant while said in-house equipment are being manipulated, identifying from said timing information a particular manipulation that is time-correlated with a substantial change in measured quality, thereby identifying a particular piece of in-house equipment that has been manipulated and in the neighborhood of which said defect is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Alcatel-Lucent
    Inventor: Frank Cyriel Michel Defoort
  • Patent number: 7693266
    Abstract: A method, system, and medium are provided for testing a network communications component. A model of a substantially ideal communications network is provided and a test signal is generated at an input of the network model. An output signal from the model is transmitted to the network component. The signal is suitable for analyzing acoustic parameters of the network component. The acoustic parameters are analyzed based upon a response of the network component to the output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventor: Amar Nath Ray
  • Patent number: 7680254
    Abstract: A health monitor subsystem detects and responds to faults within a geographically disperse voice messaging system. The health monitor subsystem comprises agent, manager, interface, and common processes. The agent process monitors a respective voice messaging system component operative on the host. The manager process monitors and manages detected faults on the host. The interface process exposes a status responsive to the host. The common process monitors and manages a platform of hosts. The health monitor subsystem enables monitoring at the component, host, and platform levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Glenayre Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Shafford R. Archer, Jr., Jon S. Plotky, Ian M. Moraes, Philip L. Lowman, James H. Spencer
  • Patent number: 7680251
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing false alarm activation is provided. According to one embodiment of the invention, a determination (410) is made as to whether an instruction from a controller is a commanded reset, and control of a Subscriber Line Interface Circuit is taken (416) from a voice processor circuit when the instruction is a commanded reset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Marlin F. McGregor, Kevin T. Chang, Ben M. Foose
  • Patent number: 7664232
    Abstract: A method and a system for impairment line testing are provided. The method includes electrically connecting a first terminal of a measurement device, which may be a time domain reflectometer, to both wires of a twisted wire pair of a telephone line, which interconnects a telephone line card with a subscriber. The second terminal of the measurement device is electrically connected to a common reference, which may be the ground reference. Then, the method includes performing an impairment testing on the telephone line from the measurement device toward the subscriber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: RIT Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Menny Sherman
  • Patent number: 7660394
    Abstract: The invention is a method and system conducting a completion test on a communications line. The system includes a testing device coupled to a remote device by a network. Line-test results are received from the testing device and made available to various client devices via the same or another network. Test data is automatically archived for analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Embarq Holdings Company, LLC
    Inventors: Richard D. Blank, Douglas B. Finch, John Lloyd Morris
  • Patent number: 7643627
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to methods, systems, and storage mediums for providing self-provisioning telephony services. The method includes receiving a request for the self-provisioning telephony services from a caller of a telecommunications service provider. The method also includes prompting the caller to provide information for facilitating implementation of the self-provisioning telephony services. The method further includes implementing the self-provisioning telephony services, without human intervention from a telecommunications service provider, in response to information received as a result of the prompting. The self-provisioning telephony services include activating an account for a new telephone number, modifying an account for an existing telephone number, retrieving a forgotten personal identification number, and canceling an account for an existing telephone number.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property, I,L.P.
    Inventors: Gerald A. Starling, Dirk S. Henson, Ken A. Loveless, Jeffrey Broadus
  • Patent number: 7636936
    Abstract: The administration of protection of data on a client mobile computing device by a server computer system such as within an enterprise network or on a separate mobile computing device is described. Security tools are described that provide different security policies to be enforced based on a location associated with a network environment in which a mobile device is operating. Methods for detecting the location of the mobile device are described. Additionally, the security tools may also provide for enforcing different policies based on security features. Examples of security features include the type of connection, wired or wireless, over which data is being transferred, the operation of anti-virus software, or the type of network adapter card. The different security policies provide enforcement mechanisms that may be tailored based upon the detected location and/or active security features associated with the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Novell, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Wright, Peter Boucher, Gabe Nault, Merrill Smith, Sterling K Jacobson, Jonathan Wood, Robert Mims
  • Publication number: 20090290703
    Abstract: Apparatus for providing a plurality of alternative telecommunications services to a plurality of users (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) of a telecommunications network (10) comprising a primary cross-connect (26) in communication with a node (12) of the network for supplying a first selected telecommunications service to the users (14, 16, 18, 20, 22), and a secondary cross-connect (28) in communication with the node (12) and the primary cross-connect (26). The primary cross-connect (26) is provided with switches (34). The switches (34) are operable from a remote location (36) to disconnect a selected user (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) from the telecommunications services, and the secondary cross-connect (28) is are operable from a remote location (36) to reconnect the selected user (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) to an alternative telecommunication service through the secondary cross-connect (28).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventors: Andrew Draycott, Martin Goetzer
  • Patent number: 7624033
    Abstract: Processes and systems are disclosed for managing status changes to a work order. One embodiment includes communicating with a communications network and receiving a change in status to the work order. The change in status is annotated with a date and a time, with the date and the time reflecting the local time zone of a telephone system wire center where the work order is locally managed. This embodiment validates that the annotated date and the time are chronologically after a previous change in status to the work order. The status of the work order is then updated. Each change in the status of the work order is date and time stamped as the work order progresses from creation to closure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property, I,L.P.
    Inventors: David R. Jean, Judy M. Marcopulos, Rita H. Scherer
  • Patent number: 7609817
    Abstract: A network interface unit has an interface coupled to a first transmit line and a first receive line, and the interface is configured to receive a signal from the first receive line. The network interface unit further has circuitry operable in a test mode and a data mode that couples the received signal to the second transmit line via a first path while operating in the data mode. The circuitry further disables coupling of the signal to the second transmit line, couples the signal via an alternate path to the first transmit line, and creates a bias voltage about which a termination impedance for the second transmit line is centered while operating in test mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: ADTRAN, Inc.
    Inventor: David E. Jones
  • Patent number: 7602885
    Abstract: A telephone line test system that may be used to compute line length of subscriber lines connected to a central office or other distribution point. When initially installed, the test system may automatically compute CO limits. The CO limits are computed from single-ended measurements on subscriber lines and represent electrical effects of the path between a test head and the distribution point. These CO limits are used to more accurately compute the length of lines connected to the distribution point using measurements made by the test system. Because the process uses single-ended measurements, it may be run in background mode during the initial installation of the test system or at any subsequent time it is desired to update the CO limits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Tollgrade Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Muhammad Akbar Khan Afzal, Daniel Edward Mueller, Arthur Alamo
  • Publication number: 20090185665
    Abstract: The present application discloses a server or corresponding module that includes a communication unit configured to receive, from a first terminal, a request including at least an identification of a second terminal. The server further includes a processor unit configured to control, based on the request, the communication unit. The communication unit thus controlled connects to a value-added service module such as a ring-back server, and such connection emulates a connection from the second terminal to the first terminal. The communication unit receives a value-added service such as a ring-back service from the ring-back server, and delivers information on the received ring-back service to the first terminal. Likewise, a corresponding method and computer program product is disclosed. By virtue thereof, service configuration settings at the value-added service module that are set for the first terminal can be tested by the user of the first terminal without involvement of a second terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventor: Can Feng Chen
  • Publication number: 20090161835
    Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an echo measurement device having a controller to transmit a test signal in a communication path which is looped back at an end point identified as having an echo problem. The test signal can be transmitted at a remote location from the end point. The test signal can be represented by a limited burst signal of one or more frequencies operating outside a range of an operating frequency of an echo canceller deactivation signal transmitted in the communication path. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: WALLACE SMITH, James H. James, David Ramsden
  • Patent number: 7542550
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a system for testing subscriber lines and method thereof. The system includes a broadband line testing control module and a remote terminal subscriber access control module located at a subscriber line that is located between the broadband line testing control module and a remote terminal unit. The broadband line testing control module sends a signal of disconnecting the subscriber line to the remote terminal subscriber access control module, and tests the subscriber line. The remote terminal subscriber access control module receives said signal from the broadband line testing control module, and controls the remote terminal unit to disconnect from or connect to the subscriber line based on said signal. With the system and method according to the present invention, not only the precision of subscriber line testing is guaranteed, but also the subscriber lines can be periodically tested without manual operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yong Liang
  • Patent number: 7529347
    Abstract: A system and method for performing DSL assessments of a telephone line along a prescribed test path is disclosed. The disclosed system includes a loop diagnostic test unit adapted for testing said telephone line using narrow-band and mid-band frequency test signals; a test system controller and a test system server to provide the DSL assessments to a user via an appropriate interface. In addition, the disclosed methods include the basic steps of: accessing the telephone line along the test path that includes selected hardware such as a voice switch test bus, central office splitter, service provider instruments and terminations; ascertaining various line characteristics along the test path using mid-band and narrow-band frequency signals; analyzing the line characteristics to identify line conditions that affect DSL service; and determining the impact of the line conditions on DSL service.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Tollgrade Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: Roderick Warner, Muhammad A. Afzal, Frank R. Bauer, Joseph S. Rosen
  • Patent number: 7526800
    Abstract: The protection of data on a client mobile computing device by a server computer system such as within an enterprise network or on a separate mobile computing device is described. Security tools are described that provide different security policies to be enforced based on a location associated with a network environment in which a mobile device is operating. Methods for detecting the location of the mobile device are described. Additionally, the security tools may also provide for enforcing different policies based on security features. Examples of security features include the type of connection, wired or wireless, over which data is being transferred, the operation of anti-virus software, or the type of network adapter card. The different security policies provide enforcement mechanisms that may be tailored based upon the detected location and/or active security features associated with the mobile device. Examples of enforcement mechanisms are adaptive port blocking, file hiding and file encryption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Novell, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Wright, Peter Boucher, Gabe Nault, Merrill Smith, Sterling K. Jacobson, Jonathan Wood, Robert Mims
  • Patent number: 7526411
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for remote diagnostics of a field device in a process engineering system that is part of a distributed control system. The field devices are connected to I/O units and are operated by a central device. The diagnostics device is functionally divided into a recording unit and a physically separate processing unit. The recording unit and the processing unit are logically connected to one another via a wireless communications link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: ABB AG
    Inventors: Michael Gienke, Thoralf Schulz
  • Patent number: 7516033
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying echo sources in a communication path. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an echo measurement device (EMD) having a transmit module to transmit an echo canceller deactivation signal in a communication path of the communication system, wherein the echo canceller deactivation signal deactivates one or more echo cancellers in said communication path. The transmit module can also transmit a test signal in the communication path which is looped back at an end point identified as having an echo problem, wherein the test signal is transmitted at a remote location from the end point. The EMD can further include a detection module to detect one or more echo signals associated with the test signal. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property I, L.P.
    Inventors: Wallace F. Smith, James H. James, David B. Ramsden
  • Patent number: 7505566
    Abstract: A method for analyzing automatic line insulation testing (ALIT) data comprising receiving an electronic version of ALIT test results and parsing the ALIT test results to extract error data. The error data is inserted into an ALIT database. A number of exceptions per wire center occurring on a selected summary date is calculated in response to receiving a summary request from a user, and the summary date is transmitted to the user in response to the calculating. User records located in the ALIT database that include a selected wire center and a selected detail date are transmitted to the user in response to receiving from the user a wire center detail request. The ALIT database is updated with repair package information in response to receiving an add repair package request.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: AT&T Intellectual Property, I, L.P.
    Inventors: Robert Hollis Wright, Dianna Gatson
  • Patent number: 7499526
    Abstract: A termination module for terminating TELCO wiring and subscriber wiring within a network interface enclosure at a subscriber premises includes a subscriber bridge having burglar alarm connections. The subscriber bridge includes a base, a pair of conductive contact elements disposed within the base and defining a plurality of connection terminals, and a base cap positioned over the base and the contact elements. The termination module provides a demarcation point for electrically disconnecting the subscriber wiring from the subscriber wiring and the subscriber bridge further includes burglar alarm connection points that permit a burglar alarm to be wired in series between the demarcation point and the contact elements such that the subscriber-owned equipment, including the burglar alarm, can be electrically disconnected from the TELCO wiring to fault test a telephone line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC
    Inventors: Boyd G. Brower, John J. Napiorkowski, Brad N. Grunwald
  • Patent number: 7483694
    Abstract: A method and system for testing a wireless device, the system comprising: a remote user interface for interacting with the data device from a remote location; and a wireless network for communication with the wireless data device from a remote location, wherein a tester can send information to and receive information from the wireless device over said wireless network and can monitor said wireless device and send inputs to the wireless device over the remote user interface thereby forming a closed loop communications path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Research In Motion Limited
    Inventor: Marcelo Varanda
  • Patent number: 7478420
    Abstract: The protection of data on a client mobile computing device by a server computer system such as within an enterprise network or on a separate mobile computing device is described. Security tools are described that provide different security policies to be enforced based on a location associated with a network environment in which a mobile device is operating. Methods for detecting the location of the mobile device are described. Additionally, the security tools may also provide for enforcing different policies based on security features. Examples of security features include the type of connection, wired or wireless, over which data is being transferred, the operation of anti-virus software, or the type of network adapter card. The different security policies provide enforcement mechanisms that may be tailored based upon the detected location and/or active security features associated with the mobile device. Examples of enforcement mechanisms are adaptive port blocking, file hiding and file encryption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Novell, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Wright, Peter Boucher, Gabe Nault, Merrill Smith, Sterling K. Jacobson, Jonathan Wood, Robert Mims
  • Patent number: 7471772
    Abstract: This invention generally relates to the arrangements for testing subscriber loops. The invention is based on a solution wherein a test head is behind the high-pass filter of the splitter. In order that this solution is possible, the splitter, i.e. the splitter box has to contain a relay and a relay control element. When a subscriber line is to be tested the test head sends a DC pulse to the relay control element, which directs the relay to connect the subscriber loop to bypass wirings through which the test head can perform necessary testing measurements. When the testing is over the relay control element directs the relay to switch back for connecting the subscriber loop to the common port of the filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Wi-LAN, Inc.
    Inventor: Ari Valve
  • Patent number: 7460649
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for single end loop testing for DSL provisioning and maintenance provides testing of the DSL loop using digital techniques including frequency compensation, matched filtering and median filtering, to remove strong background and enhance desired signal for peak detection. The SELT system allows DSL providers to extract loop information from reflective measurements at the central office (CO) so as to determine loop capability of supporting different DSL services. The method and apparatus acquires the desired signal (the far-end echo) which is submerged in the correlated background noise (the near-end echo) by providing a process for detecting loop length and termination types with high accuracy for loops up to 12 kft for 24 AWG and up to 9 kft for 26 AWG by exploiting several digital signal processing techniques including frequency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Conexant Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Feng Ouyang, Patrick Duvaut, Ming Gu
  • Patent number: 7433323
    Abstract: Faults or degradation of performance of a voice/data communication network (2) are identified without the need to dispatch service personnel by selectively testing isolated sections of the communication network. For some of these tests, the communication network address of a customer's modem under test (106, 114, 60, 66) is retrieved from a database (88) for use in directing these tests to the customer's modem (106, 114, 60, 66) and for emulating the customer's modem (106, 114, 60, 66) during one or more of the tests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Tollgrade Communications, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger A. Smith
  • Patent number: 7433450
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for connection verification. An embodiment includes a DSL based system, with a tester resident at a central office respective to a DSLAM. When a problem is encountered by a subscriber, the tester can be readily connected to the DSLAM to allow performance of tests on the connection between the tester, the DSLAM and the Internet. If such tests are successful, then service provider can eliminate that portion of the link as the source of the connectivity problem. If unsuccessful, the service provider can repair that portion of the connection, and thereby potentially obviate the need to send a technician to the subscriber premises.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: IXIA
    Inventors: Dave J. Burns, Norman Robertson
  • Patent number: 7426262
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ)
    Inventor: Jonas Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 7424097
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiya Shimura, Minoru Sudo
  • Patent number: 7412035
    Abstract: Determining whether a call forward busy service is enabled on a telephone line includes placing a first test call across a network to the telephone line. First signaling data is received through the network in response to the first test call. The first signaling data is evaluated to determine whether the first test call is inspiring a ringing condition. A second test call is placed across the network conditioned on whether the first signaling data indicates that the first test call is determined to be inspiring a ringing condition. The second test call is placed while the first test call remains inspiring ringing. Second signaling data is received through the network in response to the second test call. A call forward busy service is concluded to be enabled on the telephone line based on whether the second test call is determined to be inspiring a ringing condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: AOL LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company
    Inventors: William P. McMullin, Liam Keast
  • Patent number: 7365547
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement for a line test and for feeding a corrosion protection current into a two-wire line comprises a controllable ramp generator for producing a ramp voltage, at least one first test impedance to be connected to a first line of a two-wire line, at least one second test impedance to be connected to a second line of the two-wire line, at least one first and second controllable switches for connecting the ramp voltage to the first and second test impedances, and a programmable control device for controlling the ramp generator and the first and second controllable switches in such a way so that the ramp voltage is coupled to the two-wire line in order to produce a corrosion protection current. The control device switches at least one of the first and second test impedances to the respective of the first and second lines for a line test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Thomas Ferianz
  • Patent number: 7356127
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Tollgrade Communications, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Peduzzi, Roger A. Smith
  • Publication number: 20080080676
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a plurality of parameters indicative of performance of an analog telephone line is disclosed. The method includes sequentially performing a plurality of tests on the analog telephone line. The method further includes sequentially indicating results of the plurality of tests using a same set of visual indicators. In one embodiment, the performing the plurality of tests includes performing a second and a third sequential test upon detection of sequential activation of a test initiation input device. In another embodiment, the determining a plurality of parameters includes determining any one of loop current, ring voltage and ring trip energy of the analog telephone line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Cameron Milne, Alex F. Milne
  • Patent number: 7353533
    Abstract: The administration of protection of data on a client mobile computing device by a server computer system such as within an enterprise network or on a separate mobile computing device is described. Security tools are described that provide different security policies to be enforced based on a location associated with a network environment in which a mobile device is operating. Methods for detecting the location of the mobile device are described. Additionally, the security tools may also provide for enforcing different policies based on security features. Examples of security features include the type of connection, wired or wireless, over which data is being transferred, the operation of anti-virus software, or the type of network adapter card. The different security policies provide enforcement mechanisms that may be tailored based upon the detected location and/or active security features associated with the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Novell, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Wright, Peter Boucher, Gabe Nault, Merrill Smith, Sterling K Jacobson, Jonathan Wood, Robert Mims
  • Patent number: 7349692
    Abstract: A method of testing a digital mobile phone network such as a GPRS or 3 G network comprises creating test traffic using an unmodified test mobile phone coupled to a computer, and using the computer to measure a parameter associated with the network's response to the test traffic. The measurements made by the computer are encoded into the test traffic to create a data stream within the mobile phone network comprising test traffic, measurements relating to the test traffic, and signalling relating to the test traffic, whereby this data stream can be captured at points within the network and analysed to investigate the functioning of the network dynamically as the network is exercised with the test traffic. Software and test equipment for performing the method are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Actix Limited
    Inventors: Yiu Fai Ko, Robert W. A. Dobson
  • Patent number: 7349526
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for testing cable pairs in a telecommunications network. One method connects a test line to a telecommunications switch. The test line is connected to an inactive cable pair. The inactive cable pair has no telecommunications service established for the cable pair. The connection between the test line and the inactive cable pair creates a signal path from the telecommunications switch to the inactive cable pair, thus allowing the inactive cable pair to be tested for faults. This method allows a telecommunications service provider to determine the condition of available, inactive cable pairs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: Blake Urban
  • Patent number: 7336061
    Abstract: A group wiring system includes a hub of a server system, a distribution frame including a plurality of wire pair receptacles, a plurality of remote receptacles, a testing device, and a plurality of testing circuits. Each testing circuit is coupled between conductive wires of contacts of an associated wire pair receptacle. Each testing circuit includes a light emitting device and a filtering device. The light emitting device emits light when the testing device applies a testing voltage to the contacts. The testing voltage is a low-frequency voltage signal having a frequency higher than 200 Hz that creates a circuit impedance higher than an impedance of the filtering device when passing through the hub, thereby decaying and filtering the voltage signal and allowing locating test while the server system is on-line. A method for locating wire pairs in a group wiring system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: YFC-Boneagle Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ying-Ming Ku, Yi-Huang Lee, Tien-Chi Tseng
  • Patent number: 7308094
    Abstract: Processes and systems are disclosed for screening a work order to diagnose and to isolate trouble in a telephone system. One embodiment includes communicating with a communications network and acquiring work order information, the work order information representing the work order. The work order information may be annotated with at least one of a date, a time, and an origin of the work order. The work order information is filtered for a screening criteria, with the screening criteria having a corresponding action. The work order information is updated according to the corresponding action, with the corresponding action updating at least one of a telephone system status code, a telephone system route code, and a narrative portion describing the telephone system. The process screens the work order for known indications of trouble in the telephone system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: AT&t Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Jean, Judy M. Marcopulos, Rita H. Scherer
  • Patent number: 7302047
    Abstract: Whether or not protection circuitry for a span-powered remote digital subscriber loop unit is properly connected to earth ground is determined by the deliberate assertion and detection of a ground fault from a central office line card location. The span-powered remote unit is augmented to place a controllable conduction path in circuit with the span-powered loop and an earth ground pin. If the earth ground pin has been properly connected to earth ground, applying the conductive path will place a ground fault on the span, which is detected by a ground fault detector within the central office line card. If the ground fault detector does not detect a ground fault in response to the application of the conductive path, the line card forwards a negative ground fault event message to a test center, so that a service technician may be dispatched to the remote unit to correct the problem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Adtran, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley Dwayne Tidwell, Steven M. Robinson, James Michael Hawkins
  • Patent number: 7298829
    Abstract: A communications device can include first and second input terminals configured to provide coupling with respective first and second conductors of a communications line, and first and second signal conductors respectively coupled with the first and second input terminals. A communications circuit can be coupled to the first and second signal conductors wherein the communications circuit provides a communications interface. A test switch can be configured to electrically couple the first and second signal conductors responsive to activation thereof, and an indicator circuit can be configured to provide indication of a completed electrical circuit through the test switch. Related circuits and methods are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: AT&T BLS Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventors: Charlie Sawyer, Isaac D. White, James E. Dickens, Blake R. Urban, Kevin Forsberg
  • Patent number: 7295655
    Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting a status of a telephone line. Some of the systems include a telecommunications system which comprises a dial tone tester integrated with a demarcation device. Such dial tone testers can include a visual device or an audible device indicative of line status. Various methods are also described for detecting the status of a telephone line. Such methods can include receiving a response originating from a customer premises, viewing a demarcation device located at the customer premises, and determining line status from a dial tone tester integrated with the demarcation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Qwest Communications International Inc.
    Inventor: Charles R. Harrison
  • Patent number: 7289802
    Abstract: An acquisition section acquires trace information including a plurality of log information having information on contents and types of log information based on message information of test signals transmitted to a communication terminal and a series of reply signals from the communication terminals, and provides clock time information at which the respective message information have been acquired. The trace information including the plurality of log information, is displayed in predetermined formats. An indication bar display section displays an indication bar on which the plurality of log information are arranged in a time series based on the clock time at which the respective message information have been acquired. A log sequence display section displays a predetermined number of log information as log sequences having time stamps based on the clock time information at which the respective log information have been acquired, so as to be associated with the indication bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Anritsu Corporation
    Inventors: Shoichi Nakamura, Tsuyoshi Sato, Hiroyuki Tsuda, Tsutomu Tokuke, Hiroki Shiina, Takashi Sakamoto, Yoichi Katsuki
  • Patent number: 7289604
    Abstract: A method for testing subscriber loop conditions includes receiving test signal data from a test signal provider, receiving a request for transmitting a test signal described by the test signal data, and transmitting the test signal over a communication channel. The test signal may correspond to a pre-qualification test signal, a qualification test signal, or an in-service test signal. Test results may be transmitted to the test signal provider or to some other designated recipient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Paradyne Corporation
    Inventor: Gordon Bremer
  • Patent number: 7286646
    Abstract: A method of validating connection data for a node of a telephone network involves processing a report file for terminal pairs at a network node. The records in the report file are divided into three categories in dependence on the nature of the information in each record. A network status database is then updated with the report data category by category. Circuit IDs in the network status database that are deleted by updating in respect of records belonging to other then the last processed category are recorded against a record in the network status database corresponding to a record in the last processed category. Circuit IDs in the network status database that are deleted by updating in respect of last-processed category records are logged to provide a list of circuit IDs for which further investigation is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: British Telecommunications public limited company
    Inventors: Christopher W Gunn, Christopher H Camps
  • Patent number: 7239687
    Abstract: When delivering a broadband service, such as xDSL, without inband POTS, it is necessary to separate the analogue POTS signal and the xDSL signal from each other at both the CO (Central Office) and the CP (Customer's Premises). This can be achieved by using an active POTS splitter. The present invention incorporates test functionality for the line between the CP and the CO, or ONU (Optical Network Unit), in the POTS splitter. This enables two-sided measurements on the line, both during installation and during operation. The measurements are performed at the CO and upon request, or when the test device automatically sends a test message/signal. In this way there is no need for field technicians at the CP side. The POTS splitter can have a unique identity code that is transmitted to the CO each time a test is started, or on receipt of a request from the CO.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics N.V.
    Inventors: Sven-Rune Olofsson, Lennart Olsson, Joachim Johansson, Hans Ohman, Mikael Isaksson, Magnus Johansson, Tomas Stefansson, Gunnar Bahlenberg, Anders Isaksson, Goran Okvist, Lis-Marie Ljunggren, Daniel Bengtsson
  • Patent number: 7227928
    Abstract: This invention generally relates to the arrangements for testing subscriber loops. The invention is based on a solution wherein a test head is behind the high-pass filter of the splitter. In order that this solution is possible, the splitter, i.e. the splitter box has to contain a relay and a relay control element. When a subscriber line is to be tested the test head sends a DC pulse to the relay control element, which directs the relay to connect the subscriber loop to bypass wirings through which the test head can perform necessary testing measurements. When the testing is over the relay control element directs the relay to switch back for connecting the subscriber loop to the common port of the filters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Wi-LAN, Inc.
    Inventor: Ari Valve
  • Patent number: 7224776
    Abstract: A method of testing a voice response system can include establishing a communications link between a test system and the voice response system, sending a signal to the test system over the voice link indicating that a voice prompt is to follow, and sending the voice prompt to the test system over the voice link. A system having means for performing the various steps disclosed herein and a machine readable storage for causing a machine to perform the steps described herein are also provided. The present invention relieves a tester or test system from having to know or be programmed with the operational details of a VRS, to adequately test the functionality of the VRS, as the VRS itself can provide the necessary test data to the test system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas E. Creamer, Peeyush Jaiswal, Victor S. Moore, Terry G. Wigal
  • Patent number: 7215742
    Abstract: A remote processor (RP) adapted for use with a telephone system is provided according to one embodiment of the invention. The RP includes a communication interface capable of communicating with a service control point (SCP) of the telephone system and a processing system. The processing system is configured to present a troubleshooting graphical interface and present one or more troubleshooting tools to be used in troubleshooting RP operations and in troubleshooting RP interactions with the telephone system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.
    Inventors: Roy Robert Spillman, III, Brian Patrick Hulett
  • Patent number: 7177395
    Abstract: A telecommunications system central office includes a piece of central office equipment and a cross-connect frame that is configured to provide a connection point to the piece of central office electronic equipment. An electronic looping system is connected between the piece of central office equipment and the cross-connect frame. The electronic looping system includes electronically controlled switches that are operable to loop selected transmission paths between the piece of central office equipment and the electronic looping system, to open selected transmission paths between the piece of central office electronic equipment and the electronic looping system, to loop selected transmission paths between the electronic looping system and the cross-connect frame, to open selected transmission paths between the electronic looping system and the cross-connect frame and/or to pass-through selected transmission paths between the piece of electronic equipment and the cross-connect frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: BellSouth Intellectual Property Corporation
    Inventors: Blake R. Urban, Jorge Cobas