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Dual test mode network interface unit for remote testing of transmission line and customer equipment

  • US 6,181,775 B1
  • Filed: 05/10/1999
  • Issued: 01/30/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/25/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method of remotely testing customer equipment from a central office, the central office being connected to the customer equipment via a twisted pair transmission line and a network interface device including at least one xDSL filter, with the customer equipment being connected in electrical series with the at least one xDSL filter during normal operation, the method comprising:

  • applying a request signal along the twisted pair transmission line to invoke a test mode;

    in response to the request signal, automatically isolating from the twisted pair transmission line, the at least one xDSL filter, the customer equipment and a port connectable to an xDSL modem;

    sending a first test signal via the twisted pair transmission line back to the central office to thereby test the twisted pair transmission line while it is disconnected from the at least one xDSL filter, the customer equipment and the port, during a line test phase; and

    automatically bypassing the at least one xDSL filter such that the twisted pair transmission line remains connected to the customer equipment, and testing the customer equipment while the customer equipment is unaffected by the at least one xDSL filter and the port, during a customer equipment test phase.

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