Abstract: A system and method of determining an unbalanced current condition in Power over Ethernet applications are disclosed. In some implementations, a user or network administrator may be notified of potential impairments due to unbalanced current.

Abstract: A system for testing a conductor of a structure can include a test device connected to the conductor. The test device is configured to test an electrical characteristic of the conductor and to produce a test result based at least in part on the electrical characteristic. A service provider network may be configured to communicate with the test device to initiate a test and/or to obtain the test result. A customer may use a computing device to obtain information regarding the test result, as well as guidance for troubleshooting and resolving a problem detected with the electrical conductor, such as a fault.

Abstract: A method and system are presented for sensing a physical position of a cordless handset with respect to a base unit. A dataset of measured line currents may be initialized. A line extension may receive a number for use in determining the position of an associated cordless handset. Stored on-base-unit and off-base-unit line currents may be accessed. A determination may be if the cordless handset is positioned on the base unit, and in response to a determination that the handset is in contact with the base unit, a desired task may proceed.

Abstract: In providing call backup of a VoIP terminal, where the VoIP terminal connected to a VoIP network is automatically provided with a PSTN backup function, the on the hook state is deferred for a predetermined time period even when the on the hook state is required to be performed while a user makes an urgent communication, and a ring tone signal transmitted from a PSTN can be detected even when the telephone connected to the VoIP terminal is in a VoIP mode state. Simultaneously, the telephone connected to the VoIP terminal senses the hook state of the telephone in the state of the PSTN, and can be automatically connected to the VoIP network upon the VoIP terminal being on the hook.

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: Apparatus and method to generate an alternative receiver off-hook (AROH) notification signal to a user of a telephone system suffering from an extended off-hook condition. The alternative receiver off-hook notification signal may be, e.g., an e-mail message sent to a preferred e-mail address, a paging message sent to a preferred pager number, a facsimile message sent to a preferred facsimile machine, and/or an audible message sent to a preferred alternative telephone. More than one alternative receiver off-hook notification device may be used, and are preferably prioritized such that as one notification device fails to rectify the off-hook condition, the next priority notification device will be utilized after a suitable delay. Thus, the user of the telephone system can receive notification of the off-hook condition of their telephone system even when not within an audible or visual distance of the telephone system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for internally testing portions of a subscriber loop interface circuit. Testing may be conducted on a semiconductor circuit including the subscriber loop interface circuit. The portion of the subscriber loop interface circuit being tested may be the ring trip detector and/or the off-hook detect circuit. Testing may be conducted without disabling the capability of the subscriber loop interface circuit to monitor the hook status of a subscriber.

Abstract: A system and method for telephone trouble reporting. One aspect of the present invention is a context-sensitive graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI allows a user to select a trouble reporting option at various stages of a telephone call in a telephony-over-LAN system. Thus, a series of menus listing potential call difficulties are provided in the interface of the digital or IP phone or telephony-enabled computer to the user during the telephone call. Selecting one of the options allows the user to report the problem to the server or other central switch.