Abstract: A method is proposed for calculating a line performance, or stability, measure for a telephone line. Various physical parameters associated with the line, such as insulation resistance, capacitance and DC voltages, are measured. The values for each of the parameters are compared to expected values, which are based on historical values measured for that line. Individual performance measures for each parameter are calculated based on the difference between the actual and expected values, normalised by the deviation of that parameter. The deviation accounts for general fluctuations across all the lines. A weighting value is also applied, based on knowledge of values relevant to the good operation of lines. The deviation effectively gives a scaling, and the weighting gives a context to the measured values for a single line. The individual performance measures are summed to get the final performance measure for the line.

Abstract: A loop around system and method for use in a telephone line monitors line conditions to detect the initiation of loop testing and automatically bypasses an electronic device, such as a DSL line conditioner, used in the line to prevent the electronic device from being inadvertently detected by the testing system as a line fault. The system additionally shuts down power to itself from the line so that it does not interfere with testing, while continuing to monitor the line during testing to detect conditions that characterize the termination of testing, and then automatically switches the electronic device back into the line upon the conclusion of testing. The system and method may be employed unattended at intermediate locations in the line remote from the CO or the CPE.

Abstract: An end-to-end test and diagnostic manager and a method of diagnosing service problems in a multi-domain, multi-service network are provided. A database receives and stores service and network inventory data identifying and describing the customer and the network components necessary to deliver a service to the customer over a multi-domain network. An interface for displaying service information to an operator and for receiving commands from an operator is also provided. A plurality of test tools for testing operational status and verifying the configuration of components necessary to deliver the service to the customer. An application server is configured to execute instructions for invoking the test tools. The results of the test are displayed for the operator via the interface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wiring degradation detector for use with telephone wire-pairs providing electric power. In one embodiment, the wiring degradation detector includes a transmission section configured to transmit load power over the telephone wire-pairs. Additionally, the wiring degradation detector also includes a test section coupled to the transmission section and configured to provide a load power test signal that determines a condition of the telephone wire-pairs. In an alternative embodiment, the wiring degradation detector further includes a degradation monitoring section coupled to the test section and configured to track values of the condition of the wiring over time.

Abstract: A method for performing metallic line testing on a communication system is provided. The communication system includes an isolation transformer disposed between a provider circuit operable to provide a digital subscriber line signal and a subscriber circuit. The isolation transformer has a center tap. A test signal is injected at the center tap. A response of the subscriber circuit to the test signal is sensed.

Abstract: Method, corresponding apparatus and system are provided for transparently testing replacement functionality and optionally migrating subscribers on analog phone lines, served, for example, by PSTN Class 5 elements, to Next Generation Network (NGN) elements when copper co-termination is leveraged. According to an exemplary method, a telephone line for a telephone number is accessed through a metallic test access circuit of an analog network element and it is determined if the telephone line is available to test. If the telephone line is available to test, a port of a Next Generation Network element corresponding to the telephone number is activated, and it is determined whether a copper connection to the port of the Next Generation Network element is operating properly based on a voltage level received through the analog network element.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments relate to methods, systems, user devices and computer program products for providing network status information. Methods include receiving alarm data for an event from a plurality of sources. The alarm data includes a plurality of alarm records each including a site identifier. The alarm data is processed to create report data. The processing includes assigning an attribute of failed to each of the site identifiers that are specified in more than a threshold number of the alarm records. The report data comprises at least digital loop carrier information. The report data is transmitted to a mechanized loop test (MLT) testing system capable of generating MLT test results. The MLT test results are used to adjust the digital loop carrier information included in the report data, wherein the digital loop carrier information specifies a quantity of digital carrier loop lines that are out of service.

Abstract: Double-ended line probing (DELP) techniques are described herein that enable a loop configuration to be identified based on mathematically simple error functions, which are both time-efficient and less sensitive to measurement errors. A DELP algorithm uses readily available data about the channel that is generated prior to the modem operation (e.g., theoretical loop models) and other available data (e.g., that provided by loop diagnostic modules) to estimate the loop configuration including the line length and gauge, as well as the number of bridge taps and their gauges, lengths, and locations.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed having concurrent processes that install different aspects of telecommunications service. In one embodiment, the provisioning method may comprise: (a) accepting order entry notifications; and (b) initiating an initiator process for each order entry notification. The initiator process in turn initiates a set of processes that operate concurrently to provide different aspects of a telecommunications service. The processes in the set may include an access process that arranges for installation of a connection between a premises and a communications network, and a truck roll process configured to arrange for a separate visit to the premises for installing equipment. Alternatively, the processes may include an equipment ordering process that arranges for the procurement of equipment to be installed on the premises, a local number porting process that arranges for transfer of a phone number, and a virtual components process that arranges for programming of network switches.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for the management and the remote and/or automatic control of electric characteristics and signal transmissivity of the metallic line pairs connected to a telephone exchange, including measurement means and means able to connect said measurement means to the single line pairs connected to the telephone exchange and to all of the lines of a distribution whether they are active or redundant.

Abstract: A multi-services access platform is presented for supporting metallic test access in switching or multiplexing devices such as digital subscriber line access multiplexers (DSLAMs). The multi-services access platform includes a chassis within which a predetermined number of card slots are included. Each of the card slots includes a number of input/output ports. A backplane runs along the chassis and includes a metallic test access bus. The metallic test access bus is operable to selectively couple to one or more input/output ports within the line card slots of the chassis to establish one or more metallic test paths. A relay matrix may be used to provide the selective coupling for the metallic test access bus, and the flexibility provided by the configuration of the relay matrix supporting the metallic test access bus allows for a variety of different test access ports (TAPs) to be supported.

Abstract: A technique for providing telecommunications service is disclosed that uses a test bus to test customer subscriber lines and to provide a connection between a customer subscriber line and transmission equipment, which handles outbound backup calls. This backup transmission equipment can be inexpensively retrofitted into switches and remote terminal equipment in the field. The illustrative embodiment of the present invention comprises: a plurality of customer subscriber lines; a metallic test bus that can be electrically connected to any of the plurality of customer subscriber lines; drop test logic for testing at least one electrical characteristic of any of the plurality of customer subscriber lines via the metallic test bus; and transmission equipment for providing telecommunications service to any of the plurality of customer subscriber lines via the metallic test bus.

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

Abstract: Circuits for testing POTS service on a shared POTS/xDSL carrier include microfilters for selective coupling to the subscriber loop side of an xDSL filter associated with a subscriber line interface circuit. Such configurations facilitate testing of the POTS service using an insertion point that is between the xDSL filter and the subscriber loop in a manner that is transparent to subscribers.

Abstract: A power fault testing apparatus for testing telecommunications equipment interfaces to Telcordia's 2nd Level AC power fault standards. The apparatus is powered by a three-phase 480 VAC, 600 A power service. A plurality of transformers, including a variable autotransformer and a fixed transformer, and load resistor banks are coupled to the power source in a network organized as a plurality of selectable and switchable power paths for interfacing with an Equipment Under Test (EUT) operable to be disposed in a test chamber. Power output of the fixed transformer is referenced to a single point ground positioned at a relay bank. The power to the EUT is referenced to building ground that is tied to the single point ground of the fixed transformer. The fixed transformer thereby operates as an isolation transformer, which allows for testing the EUT while operating under power.

Abstract: A telephone network interface device (NID) includes a test circuit that is readily connected and disconnected. The NID has a portion of an electrical circuit that connects a pair of provider wires as well as a pair of test wires to a pair of subscriber terminals. The test wires lead to a test circuit on the provider side of the housing of the NID. The subscriber terminals are located on the subscriber side of the housing to interconnect the provider wires with a pair of subscriber wires. A jack in the NID has a normal mode of operation in which the provider wires are electrically connected to the subscriber wires and a test mode of operation in which the provider wires are disconnected from the subscriber wires. A pair of lead wires are electrically connected to the jack and have free ends that connect to the subscriber terminals. This connects the test circuit in parallel physically and electrically between the provider wires and the subscriber wires.

Abstract: A power fault testing apparatus for testing telecommunications interfaces to BellCore's 2nd Level AC power fault standards. The apparatus is powered by a three-phase 480 VAC, 600 A power service. A plurality of transformers and load resistor banks are coupled to the power source in a network organized as a plurality of selectable and switchable power paths for interfacing to tip-and-ring interfaces or broadband coaxial cable interfaces of telecom equipment. Power relays are provided for interconnecting the transformers and load resistor banks in the network arrangement. Computer-controlled output relays are included for effectuating precise, repetitive time duration control of output power applied to the telecom interfaces under test.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method and device for call-waiting signal to identify tolerant errors and particularly to a method and device for call-waiting signal on a telephone set with a call-waiting function to identify tolerant errors though making use of an amplitude detecting device to perform a reaffirming action so as to escalate the identification rate of the call-waiting signal..

Abstract: Metallic testing of a subscriber loop that provides voice and DSL services is provided by a voice switch and DSL services, each of which includes a metallic test unit. A voice line card has a connection to a first metallic test bus connected to the voice switch metallic test unit via a first relay set configured to connect the metallic test bus to the subscriber loop and to disconnect the subscriber loop from the line card during testing. The DSL line card has a connection to a second metallic test bus, which is also connected to the DSLAM metallic test unit, and to the subscriber loop. A second set of relays control the connection of the metallic test bus to the line card to the subscriber loop. A signal is sent from either metallic test unit to cause the relays to change to provide a clear path for metallic testing from DC to light.

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