Communication network signalling system link monitor and test unit
First Claim
1. Apparatus for introduction into a link in a communication network signaling system, comprising a terminal for serial coupling in a link between opposite first and second portions of the link, the terminal including a first channel unit for coupling to the first portion of the link, a second channel unit for coupling to the second portion of the link, and means for coupling the first channel unit to the second channel unit, the first channel unit having a first data port and a first high impedance for coupling the first data port to the first portion of the link, and the second channel unit having a second data port and a second high impedance for coupling the second data port to the second portion of the link.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A communication network signalling system couples a signal transfer point to a plurality of channel banks through links which include link monitor and test units. The link monitor and test units, which monitor the links in a passive, non-obtrusive manner and which at the same time are capable of being serially coupled into the link so as to insert signals in series with the link and to otherwise accomplish in-depth link testing and analysis, each include a pair of channel units coupled to opposite portions of an associated link and which are coupled together through a metallic through connection in the form of a normally unenergized relay. The metallic through connection provided by the relay maintains the signal path through the link during a variety of fault conditions, while at the same time permitting electronic portions of the channel units to be cross-connected to accomplish monitoring and testing functions. Each channel unit includes a dataport or other interface capable of coupling to the interface of the other channel unit as well as to monitor and test equipment, and which is coupled to the link through a high impedance to provide isolation of the link therefrom.
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Citations
18 Claims
- 1. Apparatus for introduction into a link in a communication network signaling system, comprising a terminal for serial coupling in a link between opposite first and second portions of the link, the terminal including a first channel unit for coupling to the first portion of the link, a second channel unit for coupling to the second portion of the link, and means for coupling the first channel unit to the second channel unit, the first channel unit having a first data port and a first high impedance for coupling the first data port to the first portion of the link, and the second channel unit having a second data port and a second high impedance for coupling the second data port to the second portion of the link.
- 5. For use in an integrated digital service terminal serially coupled in a link between a signal transfer point and a channel bank in a communication network signaling system, a link monitor and test unit comprising a first channel unit for coupling to a signal transfer point through a link, a second channel unit for coupling to a channel bank through the link, and means for selective coupling of the first channel unit to the second channel unit.
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8. Communication network signalling apparatus comprising the combination of:
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a signal transfer point; a channel bank; a switching arrangement; a link coupling the signal transfer point to the channel bank through the switching arrangement; and monitor and test apparatus coupled to the link in parallel with the switching arrangement and including first and second channel units coupled to the link at opposite sides of the switching arrangement and test equipment coupled to the first and second channel units for testing the link. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of monitoring and testing a link in a communication network signalling system, the link being separated into first and second portions, comprising the steps of:
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coupling first and second channel units to the first and second portions of the link, respectively; coupling the first and second channel units together to maintain a signal path through the link when a first operating condition exists within the link; and monitoring the link when the first and second channel units are coupled together. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
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16. A method of monitoring and testing a link in a communication network signaling system, comprising the steps of:
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serially coupling first and second channel units within the link; coupling the first and second channel units together to monitor the link when a first operating condition exists within the link; and uncoupling the first and second channel units to open the link when a second operating condition exists within the link. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18)
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Specification