Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system for a quality-of-service history database is described. Quality-of-service information associated with a first participant in a first electronic call is determined. The quality-of-service information is stored in a quality-of-service history database. A likelihood of quality-of-service issues associated with a second electronic call is determined, wherein determining the likelihood of quality-of-service issues includes mining the quality-of-service history database.

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 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 telecommunications access network includes a plurality of telecommunications lines (1), a plurality of aggregation devices (51-54), a plurality of data collector modules (71-73) and a line provisioning and de-provisioning system (90), wherein each line is connected between customer premises equipment (11-13,21-23,31-33,41-43) and a line aggregation device (51-54). The access network is operable to provide data connections through at least a first sub-set of the lines (1) to a core network whereby network services may be provided over the network to the customer premises equipment. The access network further includes a management module (80) for managing at least a second sub-set of the lines (1) within the access network, the management module (80) being operable to receive aggregated data from a plurality of data collector modules, each data collector module (71-73) being operable to receive data from a plurality of the line aggregation devices.

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 includes identifying one or more second digital subscriber lines from one or more first digital subscriber lines based on historical performance data. The one or more second digital subscriber lines are identified based on degraded performance that is determined using first performance information for the one or more first digital subscriber lines. The method includes applying a line profile to the one or more second digital subscriber lines. The method includes storing second performance information associated with the one or more second digital subscriber lines. The method includes sending information to a remote computing device.

Abstract: A system and method for managing contact information is provided. In one implementation, for example, a method comprises accessing a contact record associated with a user of a user communication device, the contact record comprising at least one originating identifier identifying the user communication device and at least one contact field identifying contact information of a contact associated with the user. A contact record map is generated in which an alias identifier is assigned for the contact record. A destination identifier is selected from a plurality of available destination identifiers and assigned to the contact associated with the user. The assigned destination identifier is unique with respect to other contacts associated with the user. The alias identifier and the destination identifier are to the origination identifier identifying the user communication device within the contact record map.

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 includes selecting a first set of digital subscriber lines (DSLs) supported by a digital subscriber line access multiplexor (DSLAM). The DSLs of the first set exhibit reduced performance based on historical performance data. The method includes sending a request to the DSLAM for a first performance parameter for each of the DSLs of the first set. The method includes receiving the first performance parameters. The method includes removing DSLs from the first set that have suitable performance based on the first performance parameters to create a second set of DSLs. The method includes selecting a line profile to apply to the second set of DSLs. The method also includes sending a second request to the DSLAM to apply the line profile to the DSLs of the second set and then to determine a second performance parameter for each of the DSLs of the second set.

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 of detecting that a condition exists that adversely impacts a digital subscriber line service (DSL) over a telephone line shared by the DSL service and a telephone service. The method includes obtaining information regarding operation of the DSL service over a plurality of different time periods, comparing the information for a first of the plurality of time periods with the information for a second of the plurality of time periods, and determining the condition exists based on the comparison.

Abstract: A broadband service, such as Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) service, may be tested by a technician installing or performing maintenance on the broadband service. The technician may use the subscriber's computer as a test set, in which the technician may login to a testing service that may test the line using test equipment located externally to the subscriber premise. A test application may receive, from a computing device located at the subscriber premise, a request to test the broadband service at the subscriber premise as part of installation of the broadband service. The test application may initiate a test of the broadband service using test equipment located externally to the subscriber premise. The test may include tests relating at least to the physical layer of the broadband network connection. Results of the test may be transmitted to the subscriber premise.

Abstract: A system and method for assisting telephone service technicians in repairing communications lines may include storing test parameters for testing operation of a communications line. An operational parameter of communications over the communications line may be tested and a determination as to whether the operational parameter meets an operational criteria established by at least one of the test parameters may be made. The measured operational parameters and a test result indicator may be stored. If the operational parameter met the operational criteria, then an indication that the operational parameter passed a test may be made. Otherwise, (i) an indication that the operational parameter did not pass the test, (ii) possible causes for the operational parameter failing the test, and (iii) recommendations for correcting at least one possible problem that lead to the operational parameter not passing the test may be displayed for a technician.

Abstract: A line measurement method is provided. The method includes obtaining data of relation between a line length and an insertion loss phase radian, and obtaining data of relation between the line length and a loop attenuation parameter value; obtaining four length values from the data of relation between the line length and the insertion loss phase radian, and defining a length range to obtain the first and the second length range; and determining the boundary of the second length range close to a midpoint of the first length range, using a line length value corresponding to the boundary close to the midpoint as a measured line length, and using a line diameter corresponding to the line length value as a measured line diameter.

Abstract: An automated system and associated methods that can be used to meet government compliance regulations are provided for testing and tracking the administration of Calling Line Identification (CLID) and Calling Party Name Identification (CPNID) information on various telephone lines (traditional circuit-based voice and evolving packet-based voice and data) for telecommunications systems. These systems can include large or small private branch exchange (PBX), key systems and equivalents, or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Call Management Servers. Capturing and recording CLID and CPNID on dial tone tests for any site location have been automated. Capabilities for recording, alerting, and reporting necessary data for internal and external auditing are provided. Centralizing real-time and historical records on phone line installation and modification activities can be generated and maintained. Verification of valid answer results for consumers' returned calls inbound to site locations can be performed.

Abstract: System for coordinating the use of a mapping system comparing the physical connection status of a cable link in a network with the administrative data about said cable link in the network administration. The coordinating system uses data from one or several existing databases. Based on an analysis of the data retrieved from the one or more databases the system generates a detailed work order for an engineer to perform measurements with a mapping system. A mapping system is a system that performs measurements on the connections within a telecommunication network and compares the results of these measurements with the data in one of the databases. Differences are analyzed by the coordinating system.

Abstract: Digital subscriber line (DSL) diagnostic tools and methods to use the same are disclosed. An example DSL diagnostic tool comprises a data collector to automatically collect real-time performance data associated with a subscriber, a database interface module to automatically collect historical data associated with the subscriber and to collect performance data associated with a neighbor subscriber line, a data analyzer to automatically analyze the real-time and historical performance data associated with the subscriber and the performance data associated with the neighbor subscriber line to identify a potential problem with an analyzed subscriber line associated with the subscriber, and a trouble ticket system interface module to automatically submit a repair ticket when the data analyzer does not identify a potential problem.

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: Customer problem reports are collected and analyzed in order to monitor, analyze, and proactively prevent the same or similar problems from reoccurring in the future. A selection of customer problem reports are received and may be prioritized for analysis. Associated network elements may be scheduled for monitoring and/or testing at a greater frequency. Network elements may be the subject of new problem reports which may be dispatched to technicians for proactive analysis and repair.

Abstract: The present application discloses an automated digital subscriber line performance control system comprising a computer system including a logic module to evaluate performance of a plurality of DSL lines and to automatically select a set of DSL lines from the plurality of DSL lines, a line profile database responsive to the computer system, the line profile database providing a plurality of line profiles in response to a request from the computer system, and a digital subscriber line access multiplexer coupled to the computer system.

Abstract: A system for monitoring performance parameters relating to a user network interface (“UNI”) in a communication network is provided. The system comprises a message source parser module, a translator module, and a message recording module. The message source parser module is operative to examine an exception message sent by a network element in the communication network. The message source parser module is also operative to determine which network component the message relates to. The translator module is operative to determine if the message is related to one or more UNIs in the network. The message recording module is operative to post information from the message to one or more data records that correspond to the one or more UNIs identified by the translator module.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, computer program products and other embodiments model a system's channel and noise characteristics using one or more Hidden Markov Models (HMMs) by modeling the state dynamics for one or more lines and associated profiles and by learning from the line history. Besides channel and noise characteristics, user data activity also can be modeled using an HMM, where all channel, noise and user data activity can be modeled jointly using HMMs as long as the joint states are properly defined. In multi-line systems, multiple lines (for example, a set of lines in a DSL system binder) may be modeled jointly. After learning channel, noise, user data activity and/or other dynamics using HMM techniques and methods, system operation and/or configuration parameters can be controlled based on the estimated HMM, providing flexible solutions for virtually any channel, noise, user data activity and/or other dynamics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting faults on a telephone line, the method comprising: comparing measured characteristics of the line with a model, said model modeling expected characteristics of the telephone line; and in response to the comparison, generating a fault alert signal if the comparison between the measured characteristics and the modeled expected characteristics differ by more than a pre-determined threshold, wherein said characteristics comprise characteristics relating to the transmission of data on the line within a plurality of predetermined frequency bands

Abstract: The disclosed methods and systems prioritize network devices and components that more likely result in a network outage by evaluating their current and historical outage information relative to a dynamically-generated, statistical threshold based on such outage information. The prioritized list of network devices can be organized by, for example, quantity of outages, number of outage minutes, and/or number of customer-outage minutes so as to provide diagnosis sequences by type of network device, network location, type of component within the network device, and/or by operation during particular time periods/events.

Abstract: A fault location system for a telecommunications network including a local exchange or switch, a node such as a primary connection point and a plurality of line terminations to the customer includes probability calculation to establish the location of a fault measuring from the exchange. Historical non-faulty reference values of capacitance are compiled for each line passing through the node providing a measure of the distance of each line. A lowest valid capacitance value provides an estimate of the reference capacitance between the exchange and the node. Using various parameters, probability tables are compiled of historic fault values and a new fault is compared against these tables to establish the probability of it being a fault at the node or elsewhere. As a result the reference capacitance can be obtained without the need for an engineer at the node, and the likely location of a fault can be pinpointed with greater accuracy.

Abstract: A system and method for multiple inputs, multiple outputs (MIMO) PSD allocation in a DSL system is disclosed. In some embodiments, the method may comprise monitoring system performance by performing a multi-ended line test (MELT), processing the MELT and allocating PSD based on at least one of system coupling power and system traffic.

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 for proactively maintaining Digital Loop Carriers and a telephone system local loop. One embodiment for proactively maintaining a Digital Loop Carrier in a telephone system local loop includes communicating with a communications network and acquiring status information associated with the Digital Loop Carrier. Proactive maintenance is predicted based upon the status information. The status information may be weighted. The status information may also be combined with information from a Dynamic Network Analyzer and information from a Loop Facilities and Control System. The embodiment may also generate and dispatch work order information describing the predicted proactive maintenance. A further embodiment includes communicating with a communications network and acquiring at least one of customer information associated with copper line pairs, service information associated with copper line pairs, and status information associated with a Digital Loop Carrier.

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.

Abstract: The present application discloses an automated digital subscriber line performance control system comprising a computer system including a logic module to evaluate performance of a plurality of DSL lines and to automatically select a set of DSL lines from the plurality of DSL lines, a line profile database responsive to the computer system, the line profile database providing a plurality of line profiles in response to a request from the computer system, and a digital subscriber line access multiplexer coupled to the computer system. The digital subscriber line access multiplexer is configured to measure a performance parameter of a plurality of physical DSL lines and to change a profile for at least one of the plurality of DSL lines. The set of DSL lines has degraded performance characteristics based on historical performance data.

Abstract: A secondary source of dispatch information is provided in the event of a failure of a primary source of dispatch information. The second source of dispatch information can be accessed electronically by service technicians in the field when the primary source of dispatch information fails so that service technicians do not have to contact operators in a central office to obtain the dispatch information. The secondary source of dispatch information can distribute the dispatch information in a number of ways including e-mail, web and other methods.

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 of testing a digital mobile phone network such as a GPRS or 3G 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.

Abstract: Methods and systems for proactively maintaining Digital Loop Carriers and a telephone system local loop. One embodiment for proactively maintaining a Digital Loop Carrier in a telephone system local loop includes communicating with a communications network and acquiring status information associated with the Digital Loop Carrier. Proactive maintenance is predicted based upon the status information. The status information may be weighted. The status information may also be combined with information from a Dynamic Network Analyzer and information from a Loop Facilities and Control System. The embodiment may also generate and dispatch work order information describing the predicted proactive maintenance. A further embodiment includes communicating with a communications network and acquiring at least one of customer information associated with copper line pairs, service information associated with copper line pairs, and status information associated with a Digital Loop Carrier.

Abstract: Systems of operating a telecommunications contracting company are described herein. The systems generally includes introducing a business structure to the telecommunications contracting company, introducing field operations to the telecommunications contracting company, introducing office administration to the telecommunications contracting company, introducing customer service to the telecommunications contracting company, introducing a centralized management structure comprising: research and development, setting standards, and measuring results in relation to the standards set and requiring implementation of the introduced concepts for the company.

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.

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: Methods and systems for proactively maintaining a telephone system local loop. One embodiment includes acquiring at least one type of information selected from the group consisting of information from a Dynamic Network Analyzer and information from a Loop Facilities and Control System. This information is stored in memory, and the stored information is combined. This method may also include predicting proactive maintenance based upon the combined information. Another embodiment includes communicating with a communications network and acquiring at least one type of information selected from the group consisting of customer information associated with copper line pairs and service information associated with copper line pairs. The acquired information is stored in memory and combined to predict proactive maintenance of the telephone system local loop. Still another embodiment describes a system including software modules communicating with a communications network.

Abstract: A data driven communication system has three layers consisting of destination, people or network nodes, and devices. Software agents represent the entities of these layers and relationships between agents are defined by policies or chains of policies. These relationships are used to determine communication paths within the system as well as features associated with a particular communication. A database representation of the objects (agents and policies) is used to configure the system and receive updates to the system by an administrator. A graphical user interface can be used to enter data into the database and facilitates an intuitive understanding of the nature of the relationships involved.

Abstract: A technique for qualification of loops for new digital subscriber line services (DSL) involves use of an expert system, such as a neural network. A database of loop characteristic information and performance data enables the expert system to train or learn how to predict performance for future loops. In response to data characterizing a new loop to be qualified, the trained expert system predicts digital subscriber line performance for the new loop. Typically, the prediction enables classification of service capacity for the new loop into one of several classes corresponding to levels of DSL service offered through the network. The database for use by the expert system is updated as each newly qualified loop is brought into service and actual performance for that loop is known.

Abstract: Methods and systems for proactively maintaining a telephone system local loop. One embodiment includes communicating with a communications network and acquiring information associated with pressure or flow sensors along fiber optic cables. Proactive maintenance of the fiber optic cables is predicted using the information associated with pressure or flow sensors. The embodiment may further include generating and dispatching work order information describing the predicted proactive maintenance. The embodiment may also include predicting proactive maintenance of telephone lines using information from a Dynamic Network Analyzer and using information from a Loop Facilities and Control System. Another embodiment includes a system for predicting proactive maintenance of a telephone system local loop. This embodiment includes a Pressure Alarms and Reports System Module, a database stored in memory, and a processor.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for automating the dispatching of maintenance services from a telephone cable air pressure monitoring system. If air pressure maintained in a telephone cable conduit drops below a required level, an alarm may be generated at an air pressure alarm and report system (APARS). If the APARS determines that an unacceptable air pressure exists, data associated with the cable conduit is sent to a proactive maintenance application (PMA). The PMA checks other data associated with the conduit in question to determine if an acceptable condition exists that is responsible for the drop in air pressure or air flow. If the PMA does not determine that the change in air pressure or air flow is acceptable, the PMA generates a work order or work ticket for ordering a repair of the conduit. The work order is transmitted to a dispatch system. At the dispatch system, an operator verifies the status of the conduit in question.

Abstract: A failure response method is provided. The method includes preparing a bridge having an address of a telecommunication system for common access by a predetermined group of resources, sending an alpha communication communicating the telecommunication system address to the predetermined group of resources, coordinating the resources through the bridge to correct the failure, and sending a final message to the predetermined group of resources by the telecommunication system when the failure has been corrected. A failure response system is also provided. The failure response system includes a storage device containing contact data for a predetermined group of resources to be utilized when responding to a failure and an address of a telecommunication system for common access by the predetermined group of resources.

Abstract: Methods and systems for proactively maintaining a telephone system local loop. One embodiment includes communicating with a communications network and acquiring status information associated with telephone lines. Proactive maintenance is predicted using upon the status information. Work orders describing the predicted proactive maintenance may be generated and dispatched. Another embodiment includes communicating with a communications network and acquiring at least one customer information associated with copper line pairs, service information associated with copper line pairs, and status information associated with telephone lines. The acquired information is stored in a database. The database is updated with the status information associated with telephone lines. Proactive maintenance is predicted using the stored information.

Abstract: A computer-executable method for diagnosing trouble causes in telephone cable segments when trouble data are available only for entire cables is presented. This method diagnoses problems in the components of processes when the component location of process problems is not known. It gives a statistical relationship between component attributes and process problem rates, to facilitate assessment and improvement of policies about the process. This method may be used for diagnosing systematic problems in segments of telephone cable connections of given central offices.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for identifying defective communications lines. The method generally involves passively detecting signals symptomatic of and generated by a defective communications line rather than by a user accessing a communication network via the line. One alternative involves monitoring calls to a selected number having low digit and set values. Analysis of the pattern of calls to the selected number, or directly monitoring the frequencies upon the communications line, identify calls that are effectively generated by defects in a communications line rather than legitimate calls generated by network users. Spurious calls are associated with the originating communications line. The line can then be automatically tested or service dispatched. More automated alternatives are also disclosed that make use of switch reconfigurations. Central office switches may be programmed to detect a variety of events that indicate a spurious pulse or seizure is being generated by a communication line.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for on-line monitoring of a telecommunications network comprised of first and second switches. Data is collected at each of the first and second switches and transferred to a central data processing unit. The collected data for each one of the first and second switches is arranged, at the switch, into a first data subset containing log information for each one of the first and second switches, a second data subset containing configuration data for each one of the first and second switches and a third data subset containing operational management information for each one of the first and second switches. The arranged data is then transferred to the central data processing unit where first and second evaluations of operating conditions for the telecommunications network are generated therefrom.

Abstract: A system for providing robust and secure communications connections in a telecommunications network is disclosed. The system includes an apparatus supporting functions directed to the establishment of a backup link in the event of a network fault, security, and network connection prioritization. Each of these features are uniquely achieved by utilizing caller identification information associated with the calling party when users are interconnected via private branch exchanges to local area networks. The features of the invention are uniquely achieved by retrieving and utilizing data-link connection identifiers or Internet protocol addresses associated with the accessing user when users are connected to the network via frame relay routers. The apparatus establishes a backup link for rerouting data in a network by establishing a primary network link between a calling party and a called party, by examining call/link setup information at the called party to identify the calling party.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing network elements within a communications system. A test is initiated at a data processing system located at a first site by the selection of one or more network elements for testing. In initiating the test, a communications link is established between the data processing system located at the first site and a network element located at a second site. The network element is monitored during testing of the network element using the communications link. The information is displayed on the data processing system in the form of a web page. Monitoring of the network element is paused from the data processing system in response to detecting an error originating from the network element. Monitoring of the network element is restarted from the data processing system in response to a correction of the error.

Abstract: A system and methodology for qualifying a twisted pair copper loop for digital subscriber loop services are described. The system automatically queries telecommunications provider database records and/or requests measurements from network switching equipment or testing systems to obtain data regarding the twisted pair copper loop, such as loop length, electrical characteristics, and other loop topology characteristics such as wire gauge, the presence of load coils, and the presence of bridge taps. The system determines which digital subscriber loop services are available for the copper loop based on the combination of all data obtained. The system may be implemented in part as an expert system with a knowledge base of qualification rules used in the decision-making process.