Apparatus and method for shared line testing

• US 20030223375A1
• Filed: 09/24/2002
• Published: 12/04/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 01/03/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: RiT Technologies Ltd.
• Original Assignee: RiT Technologies Ltd.
• Inventors: Govreen-Segal, Dael
• Application Number:
  US10/169,621
• Publication Number:
  US 20030223375A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 370/248
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/50 Testing arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/24 Arrangements for testing
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 11/062 using different frequency bands for speech and other data
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/2209 for lines also used for data transmission
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/30 for subscriber's lines , for the local loop

Abstract

Testing arrangement for use in a communications network carrying POTS and data traffic in an environment wherein a splitter (10) is located between a data subassembly and a voice subassembly on one side and a subscriber (14) on the other side.

Claims

1. A testing arrangement for use in a communications network carrying POTS and data traffic in an environment wherein a splitter is located between a data subassembly and a voice subassembly on one side and a subscriber on an opposite side, the testing arrangement comprising test equipment switchably connected between said splitter and said subscriber.

2. A testing arrangement according to claim 1 and wherein said test equipment is located in relative propinquity to said splitter and to said data subassembly and said voice subassembly and relative remotely from said subscriber.

3. A testing arrangement according to claim 1 and also including at least one switch interconnecting said test equipment with at least one of said splitter and said subscriber.

4. A testing arrangement according to claim 3 and wherein at least part of said at least one switch is integrated with said splitter in a single housing.

5. A testing arrangement according to claim 3 and wherein said at least one switch includes at least one first switch, switchably interconnecting said test equipment with a subscriber line extending from said splitter to said subscriber and at least one second switch switchably interconnecting said test equipment with said splitter.

6. A testing arrangement according to claim 5 and wherein

said at least one second switch comprises a pair of second switches;

and

said splitter comprises first and second frequency band filters; and

wherein

each of said pair of second switches switchably interconnects one of said first and second frequency band filters to said test equipment.

7. A testing arrangement according to claim 3 and wherein said at least one switch includes a high-impedance switch assembly for low interference switching between said test equipment and said subscriber line, thereby to minimize interference with live communications thereon.

8. A testing arrangement according to claim 1 and wherein said test equipment includes a plurality of frequency band filters which are switchably interconnected in series between at least one test head and at least one of said subscriber line and said splitter, thereby to provide switchable testing of at least one of said subscriber line and said splitter at a plurality of frequency bands.

9. A testing arrangement according to claim 2 and also including at least one switch interconnecting said test equipment with at least one of said splitter and said subscriber.

10. A testing arrangement according to claim 9 and wherein at least part of said at least one switch is integrated with said splitter in a single housing.

11. A testing arrangement according to claim 9 and wherein said at least one switch includes at least one first switch, switchably interconnecting said test equipment with a subscriber line extending from said splitter to said subscriber and at least one second switch switchably interconnecting said test equipment with said splitter.

12. A testing arrangement according to claim 11 and wherein

said at least one second switch comprises a pair of second switches;

and

said splitter comprises first and second frequency band filters; and

wherein

each of said pair of second switches switchably interconnects one of said first and second frequency band filters to said test equipment.

13. A testing arrangement according to claim 9 and wherein said at least one switch includes a high-impedance switch assembly for low interference switching between said test equipment and said subscriber line, thereby to minimize interference with live communications thereon.

14. A testing arrangement according to claim 9 and wherein said test equipment includes a plurality of frequency band filters which are switchably interconnected in series between at least one test head and at least one of said subscriber line and said splitter, thereby to provide switchable testing of at least one of said subscriber line and said splitter at a plurality of frequency bands.

15. A testing arrangement according to claim 4 and wherein said at least one switch includes at least one first switch, switchably interconnecting said test equipment with a subscriber line extending from said splitter to said subscriber and at least one second switch switchably interconnecting said test equipment with said splitter.

16. A testing arrangement according to claim 10 and wherein said at least one switch includes at least one first switch, switchably interconnecting said test equipment with a subscriber line extending from said splitter to said subscriber and at least one second switch switchably interconnecting said test equipment with said splitter.

17. A testing arrangement according to claim 15 and wherein

said at least one second switch comprises a pair of second switches;

and

said splitter comprises first and second frequency band filters; and

wherein

each of said pair of second switches switchably interconnects one of said first and second frequency band filters to said test equipment.

18. A testing arrangement according to claim 16 and wherein

said at least one second switch comprises a pair of second switches;

and

said splitter comprises first and second frequency band filters; and

wherein

each of said pair of second switches switchably interconnects one of said first and second frequency band filters to said test equipment.

19. A testing arrangement according to claim 4 and wherein said at least one switch includes a high-impedance switch assembly for low interference switching between said test equipment and said subscriber line, thereby to minimize interference with live communications thereon.

20. A testing arrangement according to claim 4 and wherein said test equipment includes a plurality of frequency band filters which are switchably interconnected in series between at least one test head and at least one of said subscriber line and said splitter, thereby to provide switchable testing of at least one of said subscriber line and said splitter at a plurality of frequency bands.

21. A testing arrangement according to claim 5 and wherein said at least one switch includes a high-impedance switch assembly for low interference switching between said test equipment and said subscriber line, thereby to minimize interference with live communications thereon.

22. A testing arrangement according to claim 5 and wherein said test equipment includes a plurality of frequency band filters which are switchably interconnected in series between at least one test head and at least one of said subscriber line and said splitter, thereby to provide switchable testing of at least one of said subscriber line and said splitter at a plurality of frequency bands.

23. A testing arrangement according to claim 6 and wherein said at least one switch includes a high-impedance switch assembly for low interference switching between said test equipment and said subscriber line, thereby to minimize interference with live communications thereon.

24. A testing arrangement according to claim 6 and wherein said test equipment includes a plurality of frequency band filters which are switchably interconnected in series between at least one test head and at least one of said subscriber line and said splitter, thereby to provide switchable testing of at least one of said subscriber line and said splitter at a plurality of frequency bands.

25. A testing arrangement according to claim 7 and wherein said test equipment includes a plurality of frequency band filters which are switchably interconnected in series between at least one test head and at least one of said subscriber line and said splitter, thereby to provide switchable testing of at least one of said subscriber line and said splitter at a plurality of frequency bands.

26. A testing arrangement according to claim 25 and wherein said at least one switch includes at least one first switch, switchably interconnecting said test equipment with a subscriber line extending from said splitter to said subscriber and at least one second switch switchably interconnecting said test equipment with said splitter.

27. A testing arrangement according to claim 25 and wherein

said at least one second switch comprises a pair of second switches;

and

said splitter comprises first and second frequency band filters; and

wherein

each of said pair of second switches switchably interconnects one of said first and second frequency band filters to said test equipment.

28. A testing arrangement according to claim 21 and wherein at least part of said at least one switch is integrated with said splitter in a single housing.

29. A testing arrangement according to claim 22 and wherein at least part of said at least one switch is integrated with said splitter in a single housing.

30. A testing arrangement according to claim 23 and wherein at least part of said at least one switch is integrated with said splitter in a single housing.

31. A testing arrangement according to claim 24 and wherein at least part of said at least one switch is integrated with said splitter in a single housing.

32. A testing arrangement according to claim 25 and wherein at least part of said at least one switch is integrated with said splitter in a single housing.

33. A testing method for use in a communications network carrying POTS and data traffic in an environment wherein a splitter is located between a data subassembly and a voice subassembly on one side and a subscriber on an opposite side, the testing method comprising switchably connecting test equipment between said splitter and said subscriber.

34. A testing method according to claim 33 and wherein said test equipment is located in relative propinquity to said splitter and to said data subassembly and said voice subassembly and relatively remotely from said subscriber.

35. A testing method according to claim 33 and also including interconnecting said test equipment with at least one of said splitter and said subscriber via at least one switch.

36. A testing method according to claim 34 and wherein at least part of said at least one switch is integrated with said splitter in a single housing.

37. A testing method according to claim 34 and wherein said at least one switch includes at least one first switch, switchably interconnecting said test equipment with a subscriber line extending from said splitter to said subscriber and at least one second switch switchably interconnecting said test equipment with said splitter.

38. A testing method according to claim 37 and wherein

said at least one second switch comprises a pair of second switches;

and

said splitter comprises first and second frequency band filters; and

wherein

each of said pair of second switches switchably interconnects one of said first and second frequency band filters to said test equipment.

39. A testing method according to claim 34 and wherein said at least one switch includes a high-impedance switch assembly providing low interference switching between said test equipment and said subscriber line, thereby to minimize interference with live communications thereon.

40. A testing method according to claim 34 and wherein said at least one switch includes a plurality of frequency band filters which are switchably interconnected in series between said test equipment and at least one of said subscriber line and said splitter, thereby to provide switchable testing of at least one of said subscriber line and said splitter at a plurality of frequency bands.

41. A testing method according to claim 33 and also including at least one switch interconnecting said test equipment with said splitter and said subscriber.

42. A testing method according to claim 41 and wherein at least part of said at least one switch is integrated with said splitter in a single housing.

43. A testing method according to claim 41 and wherein said at least one switch includes at least one first switch, switchably interconnecting said test equipment with a subscriber line extending from said splitter to said subscriber and at least one second switch switchably interconnecting said test equipment with said splitter.

44. A testing method according to claim 37 and wherein

said at least one second switch comprises a pair of second switches;

and

said splitter comprises first and second frequency band filters; and

wherein

each of said pair of second switches switchably interconnects one of said first and second frequency band filters to said test equipment.

45. A testing method according to claim 41 and wherein said at least one switch includes a high-impedance switch assembly for low interference switching between said test equipment and said subscriber line, thereby to minimize interference with live communications thereon.

46. A testing method according to claim 41 and wherein said at least one switch includes a plurality of frequency band filters which are switchably interconnected in series between said test equipment and at least one of said subscriber line and said splitter, thereby to provide switchable testing of at least one of said subscriber line and said splitter at a plurality of frequency bands.

47. A testing method according to claim 46 and wherein said at least one switch includes at least one first switch, switchably interconnecting said test equipment with a subscriber line extending from said splitter to said subscriber and at least one second switch switchably interconnecting said test equipment with said splitter.

48. A testing method according to claim 37 and wherein said at least one switch includes at least one first switch, switchably interconnecting said test equipment with a subscriber line extending from said splitter to said subscriber and at least one second switch switchably interconnecting said test equipment with said splitter.

49. A testing method according to claim 37 and wherein:

said at least one second switch comprises a pair of second switches; and

said splitter comprises first and second frequency band filters; and

wherein

each of said pair of second switches switchably interconnects one of said first and second frequency band filters to said test equipment.

50. A testing method according to claim 38 and wherein

said at least one second switch comprises a pair of second switches;

and

said splitter comprises first and second frequency band filters; and

wherein

each of said pair of second switches switchably interconnects one of said first and second frequency band filters to said test equipment.

51. A testing method according to claim 36 and wherein said at least one switch includes a high-impedance switch assembly for low interference switching between said test equipment and said subscriber line, thereby to minimize interference with live communications thereon.

52. A testing method according to claim 36 and wherein said at least one switch includes a plurality of frequency band filters which are switchably interconnected in series between said test equipment and at least one of said subscriber line and said splitter, thereby to provide switchable testing of at least one of said subscriber line and said splitter at a plurality of frequency bands.

53. A testing method according to claim 37 and wherein said at least one switch includes a high-impedance switch assembly for low interference switching between said test equipment and said subscriber line, thereby to minimize interference with live communications thereon.

54. A testing method according to claim 37 and wherein said at least one switch includes a plurality of frequency band filters which are switchably interconnected in series between said test equipment and at least one of said subscriber line and said splitter, thereby to provide switchable testing of at least one of said subscriber line and said splitter at a plurality of frequency bands.

55. A testing method according to claim 38 and wherein said at least one switch includes a high-impedance switch assembly for low interference switching between said test equipment and said subscriber line, thereby to minimize interference with live communications thereon.

56. A testing method according to claim 38 and wherein said at least one switch includes a plurality of frequency band filters which are switchably interconnected in series between said test equipment and at least one of said subscriber line and said splitter, thereby to provide switchable testing of at least one of said subscriber line and said splitter at a plurality of frequency bands.

57. A testing method according to claim 39 and wherein said at least one switch includes a high-impedance switch assembly for low interference switching between said test equipment and said subscriber line, thereby to minimize interference with live communications thereon.

58. A testing method according to claim 39 and wherein said at least one switch includes a plurality of frequency band filters which are switchably interconnected in series between said test equipment and at least one of said subscriber line and said splitter, thereby to provide switchable testing of at least one of said subscriber line and said splitter at a plurality of frequency bands.

59. A testing method according to claim 40 and wherein said at least one switch includes a high-impedance switch assembly for low interference switching between said test equipment and said subscriber line, thereby to minimize interference with live communications thereon.

60. A testing method according to claim 40 and wherein said at least one switch includes a plurality of frequency band filters which are switchably interconnected in series between said test equipment and at least one of said subscriber line and said splitter, thereby to provide switchable testing of at least one of said subscriber line and said splitter at a plurality of frequency bands.

61. A testing method according to claim 41 and wherein said at least one switch includes a high-impedance switch assembly for low interference switching between said test equipment and said subscriber line, thereby to minimize interference with live communications thereon.

62. A testing method according to claim 41 and wherein said at least one switch includes a plurality of frequency band filters which are switchably interconnected in series between said test equipment and at least one of said subscriber line and said splitter, thereby to provide switchable testing of at least one of said subscriber line and said splitter at a plurality of frequency bands.

63. A testing method according to claim 57 and wherein said at least one switch includes at least one first switch, switchably interconnecting said test equipment with a subscriber line extending from said splitter to said subscriber and at least one second switch switchably interconnecting said test equipment with said splitter.

64. A testing method according to claim 57 and wherein:

said at least one second switch comprises a pair of second switches; and

said splitter comprises first and second frequency band filters; and

wherein

each of said pair of second switches switchably interconnects one of said first and second frequency band filters to said test equipment.

65. A testing method according to claim 60 and wherein at least part of said at least one switch is integrated with said splitter in a single housing.

66. A testing method according to claim 61 and wherein at least part of said at least one switch is integrated with said splitter in a single housing.

67. A testing method according to claim 62 and wherein at least part of said at least one switch is integrated with said splitter in a single housing.

68. A testing method according to claim 63 and wherein at least part of said at least one switch is integrated with said splitter in a single housing.

69. A switching assembly useful in a testing arrangement for use in a communications network carrying POTS and data traffic in an environment wherein a splitter is located between a data subassembly and a voice subassembly on one side and a subscriber on an opposite side, the testing arrangement comprising test equipment switchably connected between said splitter and said subscriber, said switching assembly comprising at least one switch interconnecting said test equipment with said splitter and said subscriber.

70. A switching assembly according to claim 69 and wherein at least part of said at least one switch is integrated with said splitter in a single housing.

71. A switching assembly according to claim 69 and wherein said at least one switch includes at least one first switch, switchably interconnecting said test equipment with a subscriber line extending from said splitter to said subscriber and at least one second switch switchably interconnecting said test equipment with said splitter.

72. A switching assembly according to claim 71 and wherein:

said at least one second switch comprises a pair of second switches; and

said splitter comprises first and second frequency band filters; and

wherein

each of said pair of second switches switchably interconnects one of said first and second frequency band filters to said test equipment.

73. A switching assembly according to claim 69 and wherein said at least one switch includes a high-impedance switch assembly for low interference switching between said test equipment and said subscriber line, thereby to minimize interference with live communications thereon.

74. A switching assembly according to claim 69 and wherein said test equipment is located in relative propinquity to said splitter and to said data subassembly and said voice subassembly and relatively remotely from said subscriber.

75. A switching assembly according to claim 70 and wherein said test equipment is located in relative propinquity to said splitter and to said data subassembly and said voice subassembly and relatively remotely from said subscriber.

76. A switching assembly according to claim 71 and wherein said test equipment is located in relative propinquity to said splitter and to said data subassembly and said voice subassembly and relatively remotely from said subscriber.

77. A switching assembly according to claim 72 and wherein said test equipment is located in relative propinquity to said splitter and to said data subassembly and said voice subassembly and relatively remotely from said subscriber.

78. A switching assembly according to claim 73 and wherein said test equipment is located in relative propinquity to said splitter and to said data subassembly and said voice subassembly and relatively remotely from said subscriber.

79. A switching matrix assembly useful with a switching assembly forming part of a testing arrangement for use in a communications network carrying POTS and data traffic in an environment wherein a splitter is located between a data subassembly and a voice subassembly on one side and a subscriber on an opposite side, the testing arrangement comprising test equipment switchably connected between said splitter and said subscriber, said switching assembly comprising at least one switch interconnecting said test equipment with said splitter and said subscriber, said switching matrix assembly comprising:

a plurality of frequency band filters which are switchably interconnected in series between said test equipment and at least one of said subscriber line and said splitter, thereby to provide switchable testing of at least one of said subscriber line and said splitter at a plurality of frequency bands.

80. A splitter useful in a communications network carrying POTS and data traffic in an environment wherein a splitter is located between a data subassembly and a voice subassembly on one side and a subscriber on an opposite side including a testing arrangement comprising test equipment switchably connected between said splitter and said subscriber, said splitter comprising at least one switch integrated with said splitter in a single housing.

81. A splitter according to claim 80 and wherein said at least one switch comprises first and second switches arranged in series with respective high and low pass filters.

82. A splitter according to claim 80 and wherein said at least one switch includes a high-impedance switch assembly for low interference switching between said test equipment and said subscriber line, thereby to minimize interference with live communications thereon.

83. A splitter according to claim 81 and wherein said at least one switch includes a high-impedance switch assembly for low interference switching between said test equipment and said subscriber line, thereby to minimize interference with live communications thereon.

84. A switching methodology useful in a testing arrangement for use in a communications network carrying POTS and data traffic in an environment wherein a splitter is located between a data subassembly and a voice subassembly on one side and a subscriber on an opposite side, the methodology comprising:

switchably connecting test equipment between said splitter and said subscriber, including employing at least one switch for interconnecting said test equipment with said splitter and said subscriber.

85. A switching methodology according to claim 84 and wherein at least part of said at least one switch is integrated with said splitter in a single housing.

86. A switching methodology according to claim 84 and wherein employing said at least one switch includes employing at least one first switch for switchably interconnecting said test equipment with a subscriber line extending from said splitter to said subscriber and at least one second switch for switchably interconnecting said test equipment with said splitter.

87. A switching methodology according to claim 86 and wherein:

said at least one second switch comprises a pair of second switches; and

said splitter comprises first and second frequency band filters; and

wherein

each of said pair of second switches switchably interconnects one of said first and second frequency band filters to said test equipment.

88. A switching methodology according to claim 84 and wherein employing said at least one switch includes employing a high-impedance switch for low interference switching between said test equipment and said subscriber line, thereby to minimize interference with live communications thereon.

89. A switching methodology according to claim 84 and wherein said test equipment is located in relative propinquity to said splitter and to said data subassembly and said voice subassembly and relatively remotely from said subscriber.

90. A switching methodology according to claim 85 and wherein said test equipment is located in relative propinquity to said splitter and to said data subassembly and said voice subassembly and relatively remotely from said subscriber.

91. A switching methodology according to claim 86 and wherein said test equipment is located in relative propinquity to said splitter and to said data subassembly and said voice subassembly and relatively remotely from said subscriber.

92. A switching methodology according to claim 87 and wherein said test equipment is located in relative propinquity to said splitter and to said data subassembly and said voice subassembly and relatively remotely from said subscriber.

93. A switching methodology according to claim 88 and wherein said test equipment is located in relative propinquity to said splitter and to said data subassembly and said voice subassembly and relatively remotely from said subscriber.

94. A switching matrix methodology useful with a switching methodology employed in a testing arrangement for use in a communications network carrying POTS and data traffic in an environment wherein a splitter is located between a data subassembly and a voice subassembly on one side and a subscriber on an opposite side, the testing arrangement comprising test equipment switchably connected between said splitter and said subscriber, said switching methodology comprising employing at least one switch interconnecting said test equipment with said splitter and said subscriber, said switching matrix methodology comprising:

switchably interconnecting a plurality of frequency band filters in series between said test equipment and at least one of said subscriber line and said splitter, thereby to provide switchable testing of at least one of said subscriber line and said splitter at a plurality of frequency bands.