US20010043673A1 - Apparatus and method for examining and standardizing line connections - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for examining and standardizing line connections Download PDFInfo
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- US20010043673A1 US20010043673A1 US09/362,181 US36218199A US2001043673A1 US 20010043673 A1 US20010043673 A1 US 20010043673A1 US 36218199 A US36218199 A US 36218199A US 2001043673 A1 US2001043673 A1 US 2001043673A1
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- line
- transmission line
- impedance
- relay
- signal line
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L43/00—Arrangements for monitoring or testing data switching networks
- H04L43/50—Testing arrangements
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L1/00—Arrangements for detecting or preventing errors in the information received
- H04L1/24—Testing correct operation
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to testing and improving signal lines, and, more particularly, to evaluating the quality of signal lines and standardizing the line connection.
- Transmission lines generally have a natural characteristic impedance determined by cable construction and geometry. To drive a signal on a subscriber line while minimizing signal reflection from the far end of the subscriber line and maximizing the signal power entering the line, it is desirable to match the characteristic impedance of the transmission line with a termination at each end.
- POTS Plain Old Telephone Service
- xDSL xDSL
- xDSL is making the existing network of telephone lines more robust and versatile Once considered virtually unusable for broadband communications, an ordinary twisted pair equipped with DSL interfaces can transmit videos, television, and high-speed data.
- DSL utilizes telephone wiring already installed in virtually every home and business in the world, it has been embraced by many as one of the more promising and viable options.
- DSL Digital Subscriber Line
- IDSL Integrated Services Digital Network Digital Subscriber Line
- VDSL Very High-Speed Digital Subscriber Line
- SDSL Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line
- DSL technologies and Plain Old Telephone System can co-exist in one line (e.g., also referred to as “subscriber line”).
- Traditional analog voice band interfaces use the same frequency band, 0-4 Kilohertz (KHz), as telephone service, thereby preventing concurrent voice and data use.
- KHz Kilohertz
- a DSL interface operates at frequencies above the voice channels, from 100 KHz to 1.1 Megahertz (MHz). Thus, a single DSL line is capable of offering simultaneous channels for voice and data.
- DSL systems use digital signal processing (DSP) to increase throughput and signal quality through common copper telephone wire. It provides a downstream data transfer rate from the DSL Point-of-Presence (POP) to the subscriber location at speeds of up to 1.5 Megabits per second (Mbps). The transfer rate of 1.5 Mbps, for instance, is fifty times faster than a conventional 28.8 kilobits per second (Kbps).
- DSP digital signal processing
- Telephone line characteristics can vary significantly when certain telecommunication equipment, such as telephones, facsimile machines, and xDSL transceivers, are connected to the line. It is desirable to perform many line tests on the telephone line for properly maintaining transmission lines. However, implementation of these tests can become manual-intensive and increase the costs of transmission line evaluation and maintenance. The industry lacks an efficient and automated method of performing line tests, particularly from a remote location. Furthermore, automated termination of nodes on telephone lines would dramatically improve the efficiency and quality of signal transmission.
- Another use of the telephone system is the application of high frequency signals, approximately 7.5 MHz, being placed on the transmission lines to facilitate local network connectivity for multiple electronic products within a subscriber station.
- high-frequency network applications on the transmission lines, an evaluation of the wiring within a subscriber line is desirable.
- the industry lacks an efficient method of checking the integrity of the transmission line and configuring the transmission line for the purpose of local networking.
- the present invention is directed to overcoming, or at least reducing the effects of, one or more of the problems set forth above.
- the present invention provides for an apparatus and a method for testing, configuring, and evaluating a transmission line.
- the apparatus of the present invention comprises a Universal Telephone Equipment Terminator (UTET) capable of implementing at least one of a test, configuration, and emulation on the transmission line.
- UTET Universal Telephone Equipment Terminator
- a method for testing and evaluating a transmission line.
- a set of command and data signals is received through an input/output interface.
- the command and data signals from the input/output interface are processed for controlling at least one relay.
- At least one switch is activated for testing and improving a transmission signal line using the relay.
- the transmission signal line is tested, emulated, and configured based upon the activated switch.
- FIG. 1 is an illustration of one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the Universal Telephone Equipment Terminator;
- FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of an application of the present invention, within the context of a telephone signal line
- FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of the method for controlling the Universal Telephone Equipment Terminator locally, using a computer
- FIG. 4 illustrates a more detailed embodiment of the positioning of the Universal Telephone Equipment Terminator
- FIG. 5 illustrates a more detailed alternative embodiment of the positioning of the Universal Telephone Equipment Terminator
- FIG. 6 illustrates a communication path between a first Universal Telephone Equipment Terminator and a second Universal Telephone Equipment Terminator
- FIG. 7 depicts one illustration of the function block of a Universal Telephone Equipment Terminator
- FIG. 8 illustrates a more detailed depiction of the termination functions described in FIG. 7;
- FIG. 9 illustrates resistive load switches described in FIG. 7 in further detail.
- FIG. 10 illustrates the active impedance termination switches described in FIG. 7 in further detail.
- the present invention provides a method and an apparatus for testing the quality and integrity of communication lines, such as telephone lines.
- the apparatus described in the present invention can be controlled remotely, such as controlling the apparatus from a central location.
- the apparatus described in the present invention can also be controlled locally, such as from a computer, or it can be controlled by internal programming sequences.
- a universal telephone equipment terminator (UTET) 110 is illustrated.
- the UTET 110 is connected to a telephone signal line 120 and is capable of receiving and sending data.
- the UTET 110 is adapted to modify the characteristics of the telephone signal line 120 , relating to a point of view from the telephone signal line 120 to the UTET 110 .
- the location where the UTET 110 is placed is the point of the telephone line that is to be tested and characterized.
- the telephone signal line 120 is a local loop capable of carrying ADSL and other DSL signals.
- the UTET 110 is used to test, characterize, and configure the telephone signal line 120 using several types of tests and other functions.
- the functions of the UTET 110 include automatically measuring off-hook impedance, measuring on-hook impedance, measuring line-voltage, implementing resistive-load termination, and implementing active impedance line-termination.
- the UTET 110 is capable of configuring and testing a transmission line that is part of a local loop network.
- the UTET 110 is also capable of configuring and testing a transmission line that is part of a computer network, such as a local area network and a home network.
- a home network interconnects a plurality of electronic devices with a confined area such as a single-family dwelling.
- the UTET 110 which is positioned on the telephone signal line 120 , can be placed in a signal destination. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first UTET 210 , the second UTET 220 , and the third UTET 230 , are placed in the first through Nth signal destinations 240 , 250 , 260 , respectively.
- the first signal destination 240 is a subscriber resident unit, such as a single-family dwelling.
- the UTET 110 is coupled onto the telephone signal line 120 , which carries signals from the central switching office 270 to the signal destinations 240 , 250 , 260 .
- the testing and characterization of the telephone line, using the UTET 110 can be initiated and controlled from the central switching office 270 .
- Control signals from the central switching office 270 can be sent to the UTET 110 over the telephone signal line 120 .
- the UTET 110 can then enter one or more of its multiple test modes and test the telephone signal line 120 .
- the UTET 110 can also test the telephone wiring (not shown) within the signal destinations 240 , 250 , 260 .
- the UTET 110 can also be initiated and controlled locally, within the signal destinations 240 , 250 , 260 .
- the UTET 110 is controlled by a computer, located in the signal destinations 240 , 250 , 260 .
- a computer located in the signal destinations 240 , 250 , 260 .
- FIG. 3 one embodiment of the method for controlling the UTET 110 locally using a computer is illustrated.
- the UTET 110 is coupled to a computer interface 310 .
- the computer interface 310 is an electronic device that is powered locally.
- the computer interface 310 contains a data/command channel (not shown) from which information is received and transmitted through a modem.
- the computer interface 310 sends and receives data to and from the computer system 320 .
- the computer interface 310 is a printed circuit (PC) board that is connected to a port inside the computer system 320 .
- the UTET 110 communicates with the computer system 320 , and vice versa, through the computer interface 310 .
- the computer system 320 initiates the UTET 110 and controls its functions.
- the computer system 320 may be comprised of a Macintosh system, a UNIX system, a PC system, a VAX system, a Workstation system, or any other system employed by those skilled in the art.
- the first UTET 210 through the Nth UTET 230 are positioned within the first signal destination 240 through the Nth signal destination 260 .
- the first UTET 210 through the Nth UTET 230 are integrated with the first telephone equipment 410 through the Nth telephone equipment 420 , which are located within the first signal destination 240 through the Nth signal destination 260 .
- the present description is illustrated within the context of the first signal destination 240 , but are applicable to all subsequent signal destinations ( 250 through 260 ).
- the first UTET 210 is capable of emulating the functions of the first telephone equipment 410 that is coupled to the first UTET 210 . Using the first UTET 210 , the integrity of the telephone line along the line path on the line path where the first telephone equipment 410 is located, can be examined.
- the first UTET 210 is coupled to the first telephone equipment 410 externally, as shown in FIG. 5.
- the first UTET 210 is located in the first signal destination 240 .
- the first UTET 210 is externally coupled to the first telephone equipment 410 .
- Signals from the central switching office 270 are received from, and transmitted through, the first UTET 210 onto the first telephone equipment 410 .
- the first UTET 210 is used to examine the integrity of the telephone line along a line path where the first telephone equipment 410 is located.
- the embodiment described in FIG. 4, wherein the first UTET 210 is coupled internally to the first telephone equipment 410 , and the embodiment described in FIG. 5, wherein the UTET 210 is coupled externally to the first telephone equipment 410 generally function in a similar manner.
- UTETs 110 are designed to communicate with each other.
- FIG. 6 a communication path 610 between the first UTET 210 and the second UTET 220 is illustrated.
- a signal path test can be conducted on the first UTET 210 and the second UTET 220 at substantially the same time by sending test signals to the first UTET 210 and the first UTET 210 communicating with the second UTET 220 .
- the first UTET 210 and the second UTET 220 can send status and test signals to each other. The status signals and the result of the tests can be then sent back to the central switching office 270 .
- FIG. 7 One illustration of the function block of a UTET 110 is illustrated in FIG. 7.
- the UTET 110 communicates with the computer interface 310 though an input/output interface 710 .
- the input/output interface 710 is capable of receiving and transmitting data and command signals.
- the input/output interface 710 contains a slow, modem-type channel for receiving command and data signals over the telephone wire in one embodiment.
- the input/output interface 710 is capable of sending data to the computer system 320 through the computer interface 310 .
- the input/output interface 710 receives data and command signals from the computer system 320 through the computer interface 310 .
- the input/output interface 710 presents the data and command signals received from the computer interface 310 to a micro-controller 720 .
- the micro-controller 720 processes the data and control signals received from the input/output interface 710 and directs the operation of the UTET 110 accordingly.
- the micro-controller 720 controls the functions of relays 730 .
- the relays 730 are electromechanical devices that are capable of activating and de-activating several types of signal switches.
- the relays 730 are controlled by the micro-controller 720 by sending signals through the communication bus 740 .
- the relays 730 control multiple functions in the termination functions 750 .
- the termination functions 750 are connected to the telephone signal line 120 . Using the input/output interface 710 , for control and monitoring, tests implemented by the termination functions 750 can be performed on the telephone signal line 120 .
- the termination functions 750 includes an off-hook impedance emulation and measurement device 810 , an on-hook impedance emulation and measurement device 820 , a line-voltage measurement device 830 , a high-frequency resistive-load termination 840 , and an active impedance line-termination 850 .
- the micro-controller 720 is capable of controlling and detecting the state of each of the terminations 810 , 820 , 830 , 840 , 850 and report back to the computer system 320 , or to the central switching office 210 . An operator can then test and analyze the behavior of the telephone signal line 120 based upon the states of the relays 730 that control the terminations 810 , 820 , 830 , 840 , 850 in the termination functions 750 .
- the off-hook impedance emulation and measurement device 810 allows the operator at a central switching office 270 to measure the line impedance on a particular section of the telephone signal line 120 in an off-hook mode, of the telephone equipment 410 , 420 .
- the on-hook impedance emulation and measurement device 820 allows the operator at a central switching office 270 to measure the line impedance on a particular section of the telephone signal line 120 in a on-hook mode of the telephone equipment 410 , 420 .
- the line-voltage measurement device 830 allows an operator at a central switching office 270 to measure the termination voltage at a particular point on the telephone signal line 120 .
- FIG. 9 one embodiment of a high-frequency resistive-load termination 840 is illustrated.
- the relays 730 can activate the resistive load termination 840 to initiate the resistive termination on the telephone signal line 120 .
- the resistive load termination 840 is activated into position “A,” the signal and ground wires in the telephone signal line 120 are connected straight through and function normally.
- the resistive load termination 840 is activated into position “B,” a resistive load 910 of a predetermined value is introduced onto the telephone signal line 120 .
- the resistive load 910 terminates the signal and the ground wires of the telephone signal line 120 .
- signal transmission problems can be substantially reduced by applying a resistive termination onto the telephone signal line 120 .
- the resistive load termination 840 can be applied at virtually any point in the telephone signal line 120 .
- impedance matching principles which are known by those skilled in the art, can be implemented by activating the resistive load termination 840 .
- the resistive load termination 840 can also be used to test the telephone signal line 120 .
- the central switching office 270 can initiate the activation of the resistive load termination 840 at a predetermined point in the telephone signal line 120 .
- the central switching office 270 can then measure the impedance of the telephone signal line 120 and determine whether a fault exists if the measured impedance does not match the predetermined value of the resistive load 910 .
- the value of the resistive load 910 can be varied to extreme values so that the performance limitations of the telephone signal line 120 can be determined. For example, the value of the resistive load 910 can be reduced, approaching a short circuit termination, until the telephone signal line 120 essentially stops functioning.
- the last resistance value for which the telephone signal line 120 was functioning will be the lower limit of the resistive load termination value.
- the value of the resistive load 910 can be increased, approaching an open circuit, until the telephone signal line 120 essentially stops functioning.
- the last resistance value for which the telephone signal line 120 was functioning will be the upper limit of the resistive load termination value.
- the upper and lower limits of the resistive load termination values can be used to determine the maximum and minimum transmission capabilities of the telephone signal line 120 .
- FIG. 10 one embodiment of an active impedance line-termination 850 is illustrated.
- the relays 730 can activate the active impedance termination 850 to initiate an active impedance termination load on the telephone signal line 120 .
- the active impedance termination 850 can be placed in one of two positions: position “A” and position “B.” When the active impedance termination 850 are activated into position “A,” the signal and ground wires in the telephone signal line 120 are connected straight through and function normally. When the active impedance termination 850 are activated into position “B,” the telephone signal line 120 is terminated with an impedance load 1010 .
- the termination of the telephone signal line 120 is achieved by placing a predetermined impedance between the signal and the ground wires in the telephone signal line 120 .
- the active impedance termination 850 introduce an impedance termination on the telephone signal line 120 .
- an active impedance load 1010 is primarily reactive impedance.
- the active impedance termination 850 on the telephone signal line 120 will allow the central switching office 270 to detect any reactance problems on the telephone signal line 120 .
- active impedance can be utilized to compensate for reactance problems on the telephone signal line 120 .
- the active impedance termination 850 allows for the implementation of impedance matching solutions for reactance problems in the telephone signal line 120 . Impedance matching solutions can be readily implemented into the telephone signal line 120 by those skilled in the art and have the benefit of the disclosure of the present invention.
- Internal network applications include using the telephone signal line 120 at high frequencies, such as 7.5 MHz, to network multiple electronic devices within a signal destination 240 , 250 , 260 .
- An example of an internal network application is networking a computer, a printer, a fax machine, a copier, the air conditioner controls, the refrigerator, and the security alarm system, within a signal destination 240 , 250 , 260 .
- the active impedance termination is utilized to improve telephone voice signals.
- active impedance termination may interfere with high frequency signals used for internal networking.
- the UTET 110 can activate the active impedance termination 850 to implement the active impedance termination load during voice communications by activating the active impedance termination switches 470 to position “B.”
- the UTET 110 can de-activate the active impedance termination 850 to substantially reduce the active impedance termination during internal networking applications by placing the active impedance termination 850 to position “A.” Therefore, by manipulating the active impedance termination 850 , the UTET 110 can be operated as a multi-configuration switch, which allows operation of the telephone signal line 120 as a normal telephone carrier, including as a DSL signal carrier, and as an internal network signal carrier.
- an external source such as the central switching office 270 or a computer system 320 can use the input/output interface 710 and the micro-controller 720 to control the termination functions 750 in the UTET 110 .
- a plurality of the terminations 810 , 820 , 830 , 840 , 850 can be used in a variety of combinations.
- the installation of the UTET 110 in remote locations, whether in serial connection with a telephone equipment 410 , 420 or placed within a telephone equipment 410 , 420 allows the central switching office 270 to have the capability to thoroughly test, qualify, and troubleshoot telephone signal lines 120 without significant manual efforts.
Abstract
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- This invention relates generally to testing and improving signal lines, and, more particularly, to evaluating the quality of signal lines and standardizing the line connection.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- The testing and maintenance of signal lines, particularly transmission lines in telephone systems, is has become necessary and costly task. In telephony, it is common practice to transmit signals between a subscriber station and a central switching office via a two-wire bi-directional communication channel. The length of the transmission lines that carry telephone signals between the central switching office and the subscriber station can be quite large. As faster signals have been added to carry data over telephone lines, the quality of the transmission line has become critical, creating the need for periodic evaluation and adjustments.
- Transmission lines generally have a natural characteristic impedance determined by cable construction and geometry. To drive a signal on a subscriber line while minimizing signal reflection from the far end of the subscriber line and maximizing the signal power entering the line, it is desirable to match the characteristic impedance of the transmission line with a termination at each end.
- The Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS), which was designed primarily for voice communication, provides an inadequate data transmission rate for many modem applications. To meet the demand for high-speed communication, designers sought innovative and cost-effective solutions that took advantage of the existing network infrastructure. Several technological advancements were proposed in the telecommunications industry that made use of the existing network of telephone wires. The most promising of these technologies is the xDSL technology.
- xDSL is making the existing network of telephone lines more robust and versatile Once considered virtually unusable for broadband communications, an ordinary twisted pair equipped with DSL interfaces can transmit videos, television, and high-speed data. The fact that more than six hundred million telephone lines exist around the world is a compelling reason that these lines will serve as the primary transmission conduits for at least several more decades. Because DSL utilizes telephone wiring already installed in virtually every home and business in the world, it has been embraced by many as one of the more promising and viable options.
- There are now at least four popular versions of DSL technology, namely Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL), Integrated Services Digital Network Digital Subscriber Line (IDSL), Very High-Speed Digital Subscriber Line (VDSL), and Symmetric Digital Subscriber Line (SDSL). Although each technology is generally directed at different types of users, they all share certain characteristics. For example, all four DSL systems utilize the existing, ubiquitous telephone wiring infrastructure, deliver greater bandwidth, and operate by employing special digital signal processing. Because the aforementioned technologies are well known in the art, they will not be described in detail herein.
- DSL technologies and Plain Old Telephone System can co-exist in one line (e.g., also referred to as “subscriber line”). Traditional analog voice band interfaces use the same frequency band, 0-4 Kilohertz (KHz), as telephone service, thereby preventing concurrent voice and data use. A DSL interface, on the other hand, operates at frequencies above the voice channels, from 100 KHz to 1.1 Megahertz (MHz). Thus, a single DSL line is capable of offering simultaneous channels for voice and data.
- DSL systems use digital signal processing (DSP) to increase throughput and signal quality through common copper telephone wire. It provides a downstream data transfer rate from the DSL Point-of-Presence (POP) to the subscriber location at speeds of up to 1.5 Megabits per second (Mbps). The transfer rate of 1.5 Mbps, for instance, is fifty times faster than a conventional 28.8 kilobits per second (Kbps).
- Telephone line characteristics can vary significantly when certain telecommunication equipment, such as telephones, facsimile machines, and xDSL transceivers, are connected to the line. It is desirable to perform many line tests on the telephone line for properly maintaining transmission lines. However, implementation of these tests can become manual-intensive and increase the costs of transmission line evaluation and maintenance. The industry lacks an efficient and automated method of performing line tests, particularly from a remote location. Furthermore, automated termination of nodes on telephone lines would dramatically improve the efficiency and quality of signal transmission.
- Another use of the telephone system is the application of high frequency signals, approximately 7.5 MHz, being placed on the transmission lines to facilitate local network connectivity for multiple electronic products within a subscriber station. When employing high-frequency network applications on the transmission lines, an evaluation of the wiring within a subscriber line is desirable. Currently, the industry lacks an efficient method of checking the integrity of the transmission line and configuring the transmission line for the purpose of local networking.
- The present invention is directed to overcoming, or at least reducing the effects of, one or more of the problems set forth above.
- The present invention provides for an apparatus and a method for testing, configuring, and evaluating a transmission line. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a Universal Telephone Equipment Terminator (UTET) capable of implementing at least one of a test, configuration, and emulation on the transmission line.
- In another aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for testing and evaluating a transmission line. A set of command and data signals is received through an input/output interface. The command and data signals from the input/output interface are processed for controlling at least one relay. At least one switch is activated for testing and improving a transmission signal line using the relay. The transmission signal line is tested, emulated, and configured based upon the activated switch.
- The invention may be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which:
- FIG. 1 is an illustration of one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, the Universal Telephone Equipment Terminator;
- FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of an application of the present invention, within the context of a telephone signal line;
- FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of the method for controlling the Universal Telephone Equipment Terminator locally, using a computer;
- FIG. 4 illustrates a more detailed embodiment of the positioning of the Universal Telephone Equipment Terminator;
- FIG. 5 illustrates a more detailed alternative embodiment of the positioning of the Universal Telephone Equipment Terminator;
- FIG. 6 illustrates a communication path between a first Universal Telephone Equipment Terminator and a second Universal Telephone Equipment Terminator;
- FIG. 7 depicts one illustration of the function block of a Universal Telephone Equipment Terminator;
- FIG. 8 illustrates a more detailed depiction of the termination functions described in FIG. 7;
- FIG. 9 illustrates resistive load switches described in FIG. 7 in further detail; and
- FIG. 10 illustrates the active impedance termination switches described in FIG. 7 in further detail.
- While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
- Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
- To approach optimum operation of telecommunication infrastructure, periodic testing and calibration of the resources related to the infrastructure should be performed. Testing and calibration of telecommunication infrastructure, such as telephone lines, are also important when employing the telephone lines in innovative and non-traditional operating modes. Current telecommunication infrastructure can be utilized for other technology, such as networking multiple electronic devices within a building. Inspection for the viability of such network usage of telephone lines requires a series of tests described by the disclosure of the present invention. The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for testing the quality and integrity of communication lines, such as telephone lines. The apparatus described in the present invention can be controlled remotely, such as controlling the apparatus from a central location. The apparatus described in the present invention can also be controlled locally, such as from a computer, or it can be controlled by internal programming sequences.
- Turning now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of the present invention, a universal telephone equipment terminator (UTET)110, is illustrated. The
UTET 110 is connected to atelephone signal line 120 and is capable of receiving and sending data. TheUTET 110 is adapted to modify the characteristics of thetelephone signal line 120, relating to a point of view from thetelephone signal line 120 to theUTET 110. Generally, the location where theUTET 110 is placed is the point of the telephone line that is to be tested and characterized. In one embodiment, thetelephone signal line 120 is a local loop capable of carrying ADSL and other DSL signals. TheUTET 110 is used to test, characterize, and configure thetelephone signal line 120 using several types of tests and other functions. The functions of theUTET 110 include automatically measuring off-hook impedance, measuring on-hook impedance, measuring line-voltage, implementing resistive-load termination, and implementing active impedance line-termination. In one embodiment, theUTET 110 is capable of configuring and testing a transmission line that is part of a local loop network. TheUTET 110 is also capable of configuring and testing a transmission line that is part of a computer network, such as a local area network and a home network. In one embodiment, a home network interconnects a plurality of electronic devices with a confined area such as a single-family dwelling. - Turning now to FIG. 2, one embodiment of an application of the present invention is illustrated. The
UTET 110, which is positioned on thetelephone signal line 120, can be placed in a signal destination. As illustrated in FIG. 2, thefirst UTET 210, thesecond UTET 220, and thethird UTET 230, are placed in the first throughNth signal destinations first signal destination 240 is a subscriber resident unit, such as a single-family dwelling. TheUTET 110 is coupled onto thetelephone signal line 120, which carries signals from thecentral switching office 270 to thesignal destinations - In one embodiment, the testing and characterization of the telephone line, using the
UTET 110, can be initiated and controlled from thecentral switching office 270. Control signals from thecentral switching office 270 can be sent to theUTET 110 over thetelephone signal line 120. TheUTET 110 can then enter one or more of its multiple test modes and test thetelephone signal line 120. TheUTET 110 can also test the telephone wiring (not shown) within thesignal destinations UTET 110 can also be initiated and controlled locally, within thesignal destinations - In one embodiment, the
UTET 110 is controlled by a computer, located in thesignal destinations UTET 110 locally using a computer is illustrated. TheUTET 110 is coupled to acomputer interface 310. In one embodiment, thecomputer interface 310 is an electronic device that is powered locally. In one embodiment, thecomputer interface 310 contains a data/command channel (not shown) from which information is received and transmitted through a modem. To facilitate communication between acomputer system 320 and theUTET 110, thecomputer interface 310 sends and receives data to and from thecomputer system 320. In an alternative embodiment, thecomputer interface 310 is a printed circuit (PC) board that is connected to a port inside thecomputer system 320. TheUTET 110 communicates with thecomputer system 320, and vice versa, through thecomputer interface 310. In one embodiment, thecomputer system 320 initiates theUTET 110 and controls its functions. Thecomputer system 320 may be comprised of a Macintosh system, a UNIX system, a PC system, a VAX system, a Workstation system, or any other system employed by those skilled in the art. - Turning now to FIG. 4, a more detailed embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The
first UTET 210 through theNth UTET 230, are positioned within thefirst signal destination 240 through theNth signal destination 260. In one embodiment, thefirst UTET 210 through theNth UTET 230 are integrated with thefirst telephone equipment 410 through theNth telephone equipment 420, which are located within thefirst signal destination 240 through theNth signal destination 260. The present description is illustrated within the context of thefirst signal destination 240, but are applicable to all subsequent signal destinations (250 through 260). Thefirst UTET 210 is capable of emulating the functions of thefirst telephone equipment 410 that is coupled to thefirst UTET 210. Using thefirst UTET 210, the integrity of the telephone line along the line path on the line path where thefirst telephone equipment 410 is located, can be examined. - In an alternative embodiment, the
first UTET 210 is coupled to thefirst telephone equipment 410 externally, as shown in FIG. 5. Turning now to FIG. 5, thefirst UTET 210 is located in thefirst signal destination 240. In the embodiment presented in FIG. 5, thefirst UTET 210 is externally coupled to thefirst telephone equipment 410. Signals from thecentral switching office 270 are received from, and transmitted through, thefirst UTET 210 onto thefirst telephone equipment 410. Employing the present embodiment, thefirst UTET 210 is used to examine the integrity of the telephone line along a line path where thefirst telephone equipment 410 is located. The embodiment described in FIG. 4, wherein thefirst UTET 210 is coupled internally to thefirst telephone equipment 410, and the embodiment described in FIG. 5, wherein theUTET 210 is coupled externally to thefirst telephone equipment 410, generally function in a similar manner. - In one embodiment,
UTETs 110 are designed to communicate with each other. Turning now to FIG. 6, acommunication path 610 between thefirst UTET 210 and thesecond UTET 220 is illustrated. As one example, a signal path test can be conducted on thefirst UTET 210 and thesecond UTET 220 at substantially the same time by sending test signals to thefirst UTET 210 and thefirst UTET 210 communicating with thesecond UTET 220. In one embodiment, thefirst UTET 210 and thesecond UTET 220 can send status and test signals to each other. The status signals and the result of the tests can be then sent back to thecentral switching office 270. - One illustration of the function block of a
UTET 110 is illustrated in FIG. 7. TheUTET 110 communicates with thecomputer interface 310 though an input/output interface 710. The input/output interface 710 is capable of receiving and transmitting data and command signals. In one embodiment, the input/output interface 710 contains a slow, modem-type channel for receiving command and data signals over the telephone wire in one embodiment. The input/output interface 710 is capable of sending data to thecomputer system 320 through thecomputer interface 310. The input/output interface 710 receives data and command signals from thecomputer system 320 through thecomputer interface 310. - The input/
output interface 710 presents the data and command signals received from thecomputer interface 310 to amicro-controller 720. The micro-controller 720 processes the data and control signals received from the input/output interface 710 and directs the operation of theUTET 110 accordingly. Among its multiple functions, themicro-controller 720 controls the functions ofrelays 730. In one embodiment, therelays 730 are electromechanical devices that are capable of activating and de-activating several types of signal switches. In one embodiment, therelays 730 are controlled by themicro-controller 720 by sending signals through thecommunication bus 740. Therelays 730 control multiple functions in the termination functions 750. The termination functions 750 are connected to thetelephone signal line 120. Using the input/output interface 710, for control and monitoring, tests implemented by the termination functions 750 can be performed on thetelephone signal line 120. - Turning now to FIG. 8, a more detailed depiction of the termination functions750 is illustrated. In one embodiment, the termination functions 750 includes an off-hook impedance emulation and
measurement device 810, an on-hook impedance emulation andmeasurement device 820, a line-voltage measurement device 830, a high-frequency resistive-load termination 840, and an active impedance line-termination 850. Themicro-controller 720 is capable of controlling and detecting the state of each of theterminations computer system 320, or to thecentral switching office 210. An operator can then test and analyze the behavior of thetelephone signal line 120 based upon the states of therelays 730 that control theterminations - The off-hook impedance emulation and
measurement device 810 allows the operator at acentral switching office 270 to measure the line impedance on a particular section of thetelephone signal line 120 in an off-hook mode, of thetelephone equipment measurement device 820 allows the operator at acentral switching office 270 to measure the line impedance on a particular section of thetelephone signal line 120 in a on-hook mode of thetelephone equipment voltage measurement device 830 allows an operator at acentral switching office 270 to measure the termination voltage at a particular point on thetelephone signal line 120. - Turning now to FIG. 9, one embodiment of a high-frequency resistive-
load termination 840 is illustrated. Therelays 730 can activate theresistive load termination 840 to initiate the resistive termination on thetelephone signal line 120. When theresistive load termination 840 is activated into position “A,” the signal and ground wires in thetelephone signal line 120 are connected straight through and function normally. When theresistive load termination 840 is activated into position “B,” aresistive load 910 of a predetermined value is introduced onto thetelephone signal line 120. Theresistive load 910 terminates the signal and the ground wires of thetelephone signal line 120. - In one embodiment, signal transmission problems, such as signal reflections, can be substantially reduced by applying a resistive termination onto the
telephone signal line 120. Since theUTET 110 is portable, theresistive load termination 840 can be applied at virtually any point in thetelephone signal line 120. In one embodiment, to reduce the effects of transmission line signal reflections, impedance matching principles, which are known by those skilled in the art, can be implemented by activating theresistive load termination 840. - The
resistive load termination 840 can also be used to test thetelephone signal line 120. Thecentral switching office 270 can initiate the activation of theresistive load termination 840 at a predetermined point in thetelephone signal line 120. Thecentral switching office 270 can then measure the impedance of thetelephone signal line 120 and determine whether a fault exists if the measured impedance does not match the predetermined value of theresistive load 910. Furthermore, the value of theresistive load 910 can be varied to extreme values so that the performance limitations of thetelephone signal line 120 can be determined. For example, the value of theresistive load 910 can be reduced, approaching a short circuit termination, until thetelephone signal line 120 essentially stops functioning. The last resistance value for which thetelephone signal line 120 was functioning will be the lower limit of the resistive load termination value. Similarly, the value of theresistive load 910 can be increased, approaching an open circuit, until thetelephone signal line 120 essentially stops functioning. The last resistance value for which thetelephone signal line 120 was functioning will be the upper limit of the resistive load termination value. The upper and lower limits of the resistive load termination values can be used to determine the maximum and minimum transmission capabilities of thetelephone signal line 120. - Turning now to FIG. 10, one embodiment of an active impedance line-
termination 850 is illustrated. Therelays 730 can activate theactive impedance termination 850 to initiate an active impedance termination load on thetelephone signal line 120. Theactive impedance termination 850 can be placed in one of two positions: position “A” and position “B.” When theactive impedance termination 850 are activated into position “A,” the signal and ground wires in thetelephone signal line 120 are connected straight through and function normally. When theactive impedance termination 850 are activated into position “B,” thetelephone signal line 120 is terminated with animpedance load 1010. - The termination of the
telephone signal line 120 is achieved by placing a predetermined impedance between the signal and the ground wires in thetelephone signal line 120. In position “B,” theactive impedance termination 850 introduce an impedance termination on thetelephone signal line 120. In one embodiment, anactive impedance load 1010 is primarily reactive impedance. Theactive impedance termination 850 on thetelephone signal line 120 will allow thecentral switching office 270 to detect any reactance problems on thetelephone signal line 120. Furthermore, in one embodiment, active impedance can be utilized to compensate for reactance problems on thetelephone signal line 120. Theactive impedance termination 850 allows for the implementation of impedance matching solutions for reactance problems in thetelephone signal line 120. Impedance matching solutions can be readily implemented into thetelephone signal line 120 by those skilled in the art and have the benefit of the disclosure of the present invention. - Due to its effects on high frequency signals, active impedance termination may not be desirable when implementing an internal network application of the
telephone signal line 120. Internal network applications include using thetelephone signal line 120 at high frequencies, such as 7.5 MHz, to network multiple electronic devices within asignal destination signal destination - In one embodiment, the active impedance termination is utilized to improve telephone voice signals. However, active impedance termination may interfere with high frequency signals used for internal networking. The
UTET 110 can activate theactive impedance termination 850 to implement the active impedance termination load during voice communications by activating the active impedance termination switches 470 to position “B.” TheUTET 110 can de-activate theactive impedance termination 850 to substantially reduce the active impedance termination during internal networking applications by placing theactive impedance termination 850 to position “A.” Therefore, by manipulating theactive impedance termination 850, theUTET 110 can be operated as a multi-configuration switch, which allows operation of thetelephone signal line 120 as a normal telephone carrier, including as a DSL signal carrier, and as an internal network signal carrier. - In one embodiment, an external source, such as the
central switching office 270 or acomputer system 320 can use the input/output interface 710 and themicro-controller 720 to control the termination functions 750 in theUTET 110. In one embodiment, a plurality of theterminations UTET 110 in remote locations, whether in serial connection with atelephone equipment telephone equipment central switching office 270 to have the capability to thoroughly test, qualify, and troubleshoottelephone signal lines 120 without significant manual efforts. - The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the invention may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the claims below.
Claims (30)
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US09/362,181 US6430266B2 (en) | 1999-07-28 | 1999-07-28 | Apparatus and method for examining and standardizing line connections |
PCT/US2000/003064 WO2001010107A1 (en) | 1999-07-28 | 2000-02-07 | Telephone equipment terminator capable of testing and configuring a transmission line |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/362,181 US6430266B2 (en) | 1999-07-28 | 1999-07-28 | Apparatus and method for examining and standardizing line connections |
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US20010043673A1 true US20010043673A1 (en) | 2001-11-22 |
US6430266B2 US6430266B2 (en) | 2002-08-06 |
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US09/362,181 Expired - Fee Related US6430266B2 (en) | 1999-07-28 | 1999-07-28 | Apparatus and method for examining and standardizing line connections |
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US (1) | US6430266B2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2001010107A1 (en) |
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US7349345B1 (en) * | 2002-05-31 | 2008-03-25 | Sprint Communications Company L.P. | Method and apparatus for testing communications between a network edge device and a customer premises device |
US20080284451A1 (en) * | 2005-01-23 | 2008-11-20 | Serconet Ltd. | Device, method and system for estimating the termination to a wired transmission-line based on determination of characteristic impedance |
US20100185415A1 (en) * | 2003-10-03 | 2010-07-22 | Pepperl + Fuchs Gmbh | Diagnostic system for a modular fieldbus board |
US9050783B2 (en) | 2009-11-16 | 2015-06-09 | The Glad Products Company | Multi-layered bags with shortened inner layer |
US10196176B2 (en) | 2009-11-16 | 2019-02-05 | The Glad Products Company | Multi-layered bags with discrete non-continuous lamination |
US10293981B2 (en) | 2009-11-16 | 2019-05-21 | The Glad Products Company | Non-continuously laminated structures of thermoplastic films with differing material compositions and functional material properties |
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US6826155B1 (en) * | 1999-07-28 | 2004-11-30 | Legerity, Inc. | Apparatus and method for facilitating standardized testing of signal lines |
US20030223375A1 (en) * | 2000-01-03 | 2003-12-04 | Dael Govreen-Segal | Apparatus and method for shared line testing |
EP1217811A1 (en) * | 2000-12-19 | 2002-06-26 | Tektronix, Inc. | Method and device for emulating a terminal in a telecommunications network with function selection using Windows user interface |
US7061857B2 (en) * | 2001-02-15 | 2006-06-13 | 2Wire, Inc. | System and method for fault isolation for DSL loop extenders |
US20030005069A1 (en) * | 2001-04-24 | 2003-01-02 | Alcatel, Societe Anonyme | Method and apparatus capable of enabling a network interface device to be provisioned remotely |
US6748050B2 (en) * | 2001-05-22 | 2004-06-08 | General Instrument Corporation | Method and apparatus for performing either tone analysis on a local looped-back communications path or utilizing a hybrid reflection based looped-back test to test integrity |
DE10240140A1 (en) * | 2002-08-30 | 2004-03-25 | Siemens Ag | Communication arrangement and transmission unit for transmitting information via at least one transmission line and a circuit arrangement connectable to the transmission unit |
US7450908B1 (en) | 2004-10-26 | 2008-11-11 | At&T Corp. | Method for user-aided network performance and connection quality reporting |
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US5550894A (en) * | 1992-11-20 | 1996-08-27 | Atlas Telecom International Ltd. | Device for sequentially altering a communication line for remote diagnostic checks |
US5436968A (en) | 1993-06-30 | 1995-07-25 | Harris Corporation | Digital data-dependent ac impedance termination of telephone line |
US6014425A (en) * | 1997-02-26 | 2000-01-11 | Paradyne Corporation | Apparatus and method for qualifying telephones and other attached equipment for optimum DSL operation |
US6002671A (en) * | 1997-09-03 | 1999-12-14 | Fluke Corporation | Test instrument for testing asymmetric digital subscriber lines |
WO1999034588A1 (en) | 1997-12-24 | 1999-07-08 | Globespan Semiconductor Inc. | Apparatus and method for improved dsl communication |
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Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US7349345B1 (en) * | 2002-05-31 | 2008-03-25 | Sprint Communications Company L.P. | Method and apparatus for testing communications between a network edge device and a customer premises device |
US8208385B1 (en) | 2002-05-31 | 2012-06-26 | Sprint Communications Company L.P. | Method and apparatus for testing communications between a network edge device and a customer premises device |
US20100185415A1 (en) * | 2003-10-03 | 2010-07-22 | Pepperl + Fuchs Gmbh | Diagnostic system for a modular fieldbus board |
US10986164B2 (en) | 2004-01-13 | 2021-04-20 | May Patents Ltd. | Information device |
US20080284451A1 (en) * | 2005-01-23 | 2008-11-20 | Serconet Ltd. | Device, method and system for estimating the termination to a wired transmission-line based on determination of characteristic impedance |
US8391470B2 (en) * | 2005-01-23 | 2013-03-05 | Mosaid Technologies Incorporated | Device, method and system for estimating the termination to a wired transmission-line based on determination of characteristic impedance |
US9050783B2 (en) | 2009-11-16 | 2015-06-09 | The Glad Products Company | Multi-layered bags with shortened inner layer |
US10196176B2 (en) | 2009-11-16 | 2019-02-05 | The Glad Products Company | Multi-layered bags with discrete non-continuous lamination |
US10293981B2 (en) | 2009-11-16 | 2019-05-21 | The Glad Products Company | Non-continuously laminated structures of thermoplastic films with differing material compositions and functional material properties |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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WO2001010107A1 (en) | 2001-02-08 |
US6430266B2 (en) | 2002-08-06 |
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