Systems and methods for establishing a diagnostic transmission mode and communicating over the same

• US 6,658,052 B2
• Filed: 01/08/2001
• Issued: 12/02/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 01/07/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Avago Technologies International Sales Pte Limited (Broadcom, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Aware Incorporated (Crowley Holdings Preferred LLC)
• Inventors: Krinsky, David M., Pizzano, Jr., Robert Edmund
• Primary Examiner(s): Chin, Stephen
• Assistant Examiner(s): Kim, Kevin
• Application Number:
  US09/755,173
• Publication Number:
  US 20010040918A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,058 Days
• Field of Search: 375/219, 375/220, 375/222, 375/224, 375/227, 370/241, 370/248, 370/252
• US Class Current: 375/222
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 3/46 Monitoring; Testing
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/0001 Systems modifying transmission characteristics according to link quality, e.g. power backoff adaptive data allocation for multicarrier modulation H04L5/0044; controlling transmission power for radio systems H04W52/04
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/0061 Error detection codes
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/08 by repeating transmission, e.g. Verdan system H04L1/1858 and H04L1/189 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/18 Automatic repetition systems, e.g. Van Duuren systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/24 Testing correct operation
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/245 by using the properties of transmission codes
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 27/2601 Multicarrier modulation systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 27/3461 in order to transmit a subchannel
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/1438 Negotiation of transmission parameters prior to communication modified according to link quality H04L1/0001
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/2209 for lines also used for data transmission
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/2227 Quality of service monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/28 Automatic routine testing ; Fault testing; Installation testing; Test methods, test equipment or test arrangements therefor
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/30 for subscriber's lines , for the local loop
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/304 and using xDSL modems xDSL line qualification H04M3/306

Abstract

Upon detection of a trigger, such as the exceeding of an error threshold or the direction of a user, a diagnostic link system enters a diagnostic information transmission mode. This diagnostic information transmission mode allows for two modems to exchange diagnostic and/or test information that may not otherwise be exchangeable during normal communication. The diagnostic information transmission mode is initiated by transmitting an initiate diagnostic link mode message to a receiving modem accompanied by a cyclic redundancy check (CRC). The receiving modem determines, based on the CRC, if a robust communications channel is present. If a robust communications channel is present, the two modems can initiate exchange of the diagnostic and/or test information. Otherwise, the transmission power of the transmitting modem is increased and the initiate diagnostic link mode message re-transmitted to the receiving modem until the CRC is determined to be correct.

Claims

1. A method of communicating diagnostic information from a first transceiver to a second transceiver over a communication channel using multicarrier modulation comprising:

transmitting an initiate diagnostic mode message from the first transceiver to the second transceiver; and

transmitting a diagnostic message using multicarrier modulation, wherein the diagnostic message comprises the diagnostic information about the communication channel and at least one bit in the diagnostic message is mapped to at least one REVERB signal.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the diagnostic message is re-transmitted at least one time.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein transmitting the initiate diagnostic mode message is based on at least one of an initialization failure, a bit rate failure, a CRC error in an initialization message, a CRC error during the normal steady state transmission mode, a forward error correction error, a user request and a CO technician request.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the second transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the communications channel is at least one of a wired or wireless link.

7. In a multicarrier modulation transceiver, a method of communicating diagnostic information over a communication channel using multicarrier modulation comprising:

transmitting an initiate diagnostic mode message; and

transmitting a diagnostic message using multicarrier modulation, wherein the diagnostic message comprises the diagnostic information about the communication channel and at least one bit in the diagnostic message is mapped to at least one REVERB signal.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the diagnostic message is re-transmitted at least one time.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein transmitting the initiate diagnostic mode message is based on at least one of an initialization failure, a bit rate failure, a CRC error in an initialization message, a CRC error during the normal steady state transmission mode, a forward error correction error, a user request and a CO technician request.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein the communications channel is at least one of a wired or wireless link.

12. In a multicarrier modulation transceiver, a method of communicating diagnostic information over a communication channel using multicarrier modulation comprising:

receiving an initiate diagnostic mode message; and

transmitting a diagnostic message using multicarrier modulation, wherein the diagnostic message comprises the diagnostic information about the communication channel and at least one bit in the diagnostic message is mapped to at least one REVERB signal.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the diagnostic message is re-transmitted at least one time.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein transmitting the initiate diagnostic mode message is based on at least one of an initialization failure, a bit rate failure, a CRC error in an initialization message, a CRC error during the normal steady state transmission mode, a forward error correction error, a user request and a CO technician request.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

16. The method of claim 12, wherein the communications channel is at least one of a wired or wireless link.

17. A method of communicating diagnostic information from a first transceiver to a second transceiver over a communication channel using multicarrier modulation comprising:

transmitting an initiate diagnostic mode message from the first transceiver to the second transceiver; and

transmitting a diagnostic message using a modulation scheme that comprises mapping at least one bit in the diagnostic message to at least one REVERB signal, wherein the diagnostic message comprises diagnostic information about the communication channel including at least one of a length of the diagnostic information, a time domain received reverb signal, a frequency domain reverb signal, an amplifier setting, a CO transmitter power spectral density, a frequency domain received idle channel, a signal to noise ratio, bits and gain information, and upstream and downstream transmission rates.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the diagnostic message is re-transmitted at least one time.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein transmitting the initiate diagnostic mode message is based on at least one of an initialization failure, a bit rate failure, a CRC error in an initialization message, a CRC error during the normal steady state transmission mode, a forward error correction error, a user request and a CO technician request.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the first transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

21. The method of claim 17, wherein the second transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

22. The method of claim 17, wherein the communications channel is at least one of a wired or wireless link.

23. In a multicarrier communication transceiver, a method of communicating diagnostic information over a communication channel using multicarrier modulation comprising:

transmitting an initiate diagnostic mode message; and

transmitting a diagnostic message using a modulation scheme that comprises mapping at least one bit in the diagnostic message to at least one REVERB signal, wherein the diagnostic message comprises diagnostic information about the communication channel including at least one of a length of the diagnostic information, a time domain received reverb signal, a frequency domain reverb signal, an amplifier setting, a CO transmitter power spectral density, a frequency domain received idle channel, a signal to noise ratio, bits and gain information, and upstream and downstream transmission rates.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the diagnostic message is re-transmitted at least one time.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein transmitting the initiate diagnostic mode message is based on at least one of an initialization failure, a bit rate failure, a CRC error in an initialization message, a CRC error during the normal steady state transmission mode, a forward error correction error, a user request and a CO technician request.

26. The method of claim 23, wherein the transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

27. The method of claim 23, wherein the communications channel is at least one of a wired or wireless link.

28. In a multicarrier communication transceiver, a method of communicating diagnostic information over a communication channel using multicarrier modulation comprising:

receiving an initiate diagnostic mode message; and

transmitting a diagnostic message using a modulation scheme that comprises mapping at least one bit in the diagnostic message to at least one REVERB signal, wherein the diagnostic message comprises diagnostic information about the communication channel including at least one of a length of the diagnostic information, a time domain received reverb signal, a frequency domain reverb signal, an amplifier setting, a CO transmitter power spectral density, a frequency domain received idle channel, a signal to noise ratio, bits and gain information, and upstream and downstream transmission rates.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the diagnostic message is re-transmitted at least one time.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein transmitting the initiate diagnostic mode message is based on at least one of an initialization failure, a bit rate failure, a CRC error in an initialization message, a CRC error during the normal steady state transmission mode, a forward error correction error, a user request and a CO technician request.

31. The method of claim 28, wherein the transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

32. The method of claim 28, wherein the communications channel is at least one of a wired or wireless link.

33. A method of communicating diagnostic information from a first transceiver to a second transceiver over a communication channel using multicarrier modulation comprising:

transmitting an initiate diagnostic mode message from the first transceiver to the second transceiver; and

transmitting a diagnostic message using a modulation scheme that comprises mapping at least one bit in the diagnostic message to at least one REVERB signal, wherein the diagnostic message comprises diagnostic information about the communication channel including at least one of a length of the diagnostic information, a time domain received reverb signal, a frequency domain reverb signal, an amplifier setting, a CO transmitter power spectral density, a frequency domain received idle channel, a signal to noise ratio, bits and gain information, and upstream and downstream transmission rates and wherein the first transceiver transmits the initiate diagnostic mode message in the event steady state communications can not be established due to the communication channel conditions.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the diagnostic message is re-transmitted at least one time.

35. The method of claim 33, wherein transmitting the initiate diagnostic mode message is based on at least one of an initialization failure, a bit rate failure, a CRC error in an initialization message, a CRC error during the normal steady state transmission mode, a forward error correction error, a user request and a CO technician request.

36. The method of claim 33, wherein the first transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

37. The method of claim 33, wherein the second transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

38. The method of claim 33, wherein the communications channel is at least one of a wired or wireless link.

39. In a multicarrier modulation transceiver, a method of communicating diagnostic information over a communication channel using multicarrier modulation comprising:

transmitting an initiate diagnostic mode message; and

transmitting a diagnostic message using a modulation scheme that comprises mapping at least one bit in the diagnostic message to at least one REVERB signal, wherein the diagnostic message comprises diagnostic information about the communication channel including at least one of a length of the diagnostic information, a time domain received reverb signal, a frequency domain reverb signal, an amplifier setting, a CO transmitter power spectral density, a frequency domain received idle channel, a signal to noise ratio, bits and gain information, and upstream and downstream transmission rates and wherein the first transceiver transmits the initiate diagnostic mode message in the event steady state communications can not be established due to the communication channel conditions.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the diagnostic message is re-transmitted at least one time.

41. The method of claim 39, wherein transmitting the initiate diagnostic mode message is based on at least one of an initialization failure, a bit rate failure, a CRC error in an initialization message, a CRC error during the normal steady state transmission mode, a forward error correction error, a user request and a CO technician request.

42. The method of claim 39, wherein the transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

43. The method of claim 39, wherein the communications channel is at least one of a wired or wireless link.

44. In a multicarrier modulation transceiver, a method of communicating diagnostic information over a communication channel using multicarrier modulation comprising:

receiving an initiate diagnostic mode message; and

transmitting a diagnostic message using a modulation scheme that comprises mapping at least one bit in the diagnostic message to at least one REVERB signal, wherein the diagnostic message comprises diagnostic information about the communication channel including at least one of a length of the diagnostic information, a time domain received reverb signal, a frequency domain reverb signal, an amplifier setting, a CO transmitter power spectral density, a frequency domain received idle channel, a signal to noise ratio, bits and gain information, and upstream and downstream transmission rates and wherein the first transceiver transmits the initiate diagnostic mode message in the event steady state communications can not be established due to the communication channel conditions.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein the diagnostic message is re-transmitted at least one time.

46. The method of claim 44, wherein transmitting the initiate diagnostic mode message is based on at least one of an initialization failure, a bit rate failure, a CRC error in an initialization message, a CRC error during the normal steady state transmission mode, a forward error correction error, a user request and a CO technician request.

47. The method of claim 44, wherein the transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

48. The method of claim 44, wherein the communications channel is at least one of a wired or wireless link.

49. A diagnostic system that communicates diagnostic information over a communication channel using multicarrier modulation comprising:

a first transceiver that transmits an initiate diagnostic mode message to a second transceiver; and

a message determination module that determines and, in cooperation with the first transceiver, transmits using multicarrier modulation a diagnostic message, wherein the diagnostic message comprises the diagnostic information about the communication channel and at least one bit in the diagnostic message is mapped to at least one REVERB signal.

50. The system of claim 49, wherein the diagnostic message is re-transmitted at least one time.

51. The system of claim 49, wherein transmitting the initiate diagnostic mode message is based on at least one of an initialization failure, a bit rate failure, a CRC error in an initialization message, a CRC error during the normal steady state transmission mode, a forward error correction error, a user request and a CO technician request.

52. The system of claim 49, wherein the first transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

53. The system of claim 49, wherein the second transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

54. The system of claim 49, wherein the communications channel is at least one of a wired or wireless link.

55. A diagnostic system that communicates diagnostic information over a communication channel using multicarrier modulation comprising:

a transceiver that transmits an initiate diagnostic mode message; and

a message determination module that determines and, in cooperation with the transceiver, transmits using multicarrier modulation a diagnostic message, wherein the diagnostic message comprises the diagnostic information about the communication channel and at least one bit in the diagnostic message is mapped to at least one REVERB signal.

56. The system of claim 55, wherein the diagnostic message is re-transmitted at least one time.

57. The system of claim 55, wherein transmitting the initiate diagnostic mode message is based on at least one of an initialization failure, a bit rate failure, a CRC error in an initialization message, a CRC error during the normal steady state transmission mode, a forward error correction error, a user request and a CO technician request.

58. The system of claim 55, wherein the transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

59. The system of claim 55, wherein the communications channel is at least one of a wired or wireless link.

60. A diagnostic system that communicates diagnostic information over a communication channel using multicarrier modulation comprising:

a transceiver that receives an initiate diagnostic mode message; and

a message determination module that determines, and in cooperation with the transceiver, transmits using multicarrier modulation a diagnostic message, wherein the diagnostic message comprises the diagnostic information about the communication channel and at least one bit in the diagnostic message is mapped to at least one REVERB signal.

61. The system of claim 60, wherein the diagnostic message is re-transmitted at least one time.

62. The method of claim 60, wherein transmitting the initiate diagnostic mode message is based on at least one of an initialization failure, a bit rate failure, a CRC error in an initialization message, a CRC error during the normal steady state transmission mode, a forward error correction error, a user request and a CO technician request.

63. The system of claim 60, wherein the transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

64. The system of claim 60, wherein the communications channel is at least one of a wired or wireless link.

65. A diagnostic system that communicates diagnostic information over a communication channel using multicarrier modulation comprising:

a first transceiver that completes a portion of initialization and transmits an initiate diagnostic mode message to a second transceiver; and

a message determination module that determines and, in cooperation with the first transceiver, transmits a diagnostic message using a modulation scheme that comprises mapping at least one bit in the diagnostic message to at least one REVERB signal, wherein the diagnostic message comprises diagnostic information about the communication channel including at least one of a length of the diagnostic information, a time domain received reverb signal, a frequency domain reverb signal, an amplifier setting, a CO transmitter power spectral density, a frequency domain received idle channel, a signal to noise ratio, bits and gain information, and upstream and downstream transmission rates.

66. The system of claim 65, wherein the diagnostic message is re-transmitted at least one time.

67. The system of claim 65, wherein transmitting the initiate diagnostic mode message is based on at least one of an initialization failure, a bit rate failure, a CRC error in an initialization message, a CRC error during the normal steady state transmission mode, a forward error correction error, a user request and a CO technician request.

68. The system of claim 65, wherein the first transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

69. The system of claim 65, wherein the second transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

70. The system of claim 65, wherein the communications channel is at least one of a wired or wireless link.

71. A diagnostic system that communicates diagnostic information over a communication channel using multicarrier modulation comprising:

a transceiver that transmits an initiate diagnostic mode message; and

a message determination module that determines, and in cooperation with the transceiver, transmits a diagnostic message using a modulation scheme that comprises mapping at least one bit in the diagnostic message to at least one REVERB signal, wherein the diagnostic message comprises diagnostic information about the communication channel including at least one of a length of the diagnostic information, a time domain received reverb signal, a frequency domain reverb signal, an amplifier setting, a CO transmitter power spectral density, a frequency domain received idle channel, a signal to noise ratio, bits and gain information, and upstream and downstream transmission rates.

72. The system of claim 71, wherein the diagnostic message is re-transmitted at least one time.

73. The system of claim 71, wherein transmitting the initiate diagnostic mode message is based on at least one of an initialization failure, a bit rate failure, a CRC error in an initialization message, a CRC error during the normal steady state transmission mode, a forward error correction error, a user request and a CO technician request.

74. The system of claim 71, wherein the transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

75. The system of claim 71, wherein the communications channel is at least one of a wired or wireless link.

76. In a multicarrier communication transceiver, a method of communicating diagnostic information over a communication channel using multicarrier modulation comprising:

a transceiver that receives an initiate diagnostic mode message; and

a message determination module that determines, and in cooperation with the transceiver, transmits a diagnostic message using a modulation scheme that comprises mapping at least one bit in the diagnostic message to at least one REVERB signal, wherein the diagnostic message comprises diagnostic information about the communication channel including at least one of a length of the diagnostic information, a time domain received reverb signal, a frequency domain reverb signal, an amplifier setting, a CO transmitter power spectral density, a frequency domain received idle channel, a signal to noise ratio, bits and gain information, and upstream and downstream transmission rates.

77. The system of claim 76, wherein the diagnostic message is re-transmitted at least one time.

78. The system of claim 76, wherein transmitting the initiate diagnostic mode message is based on at least one of an initialization failure, a bit rate failure, a CRC error in an initialization message, a CRC error during the normal steady state transmission mode, a forward error correction error, a user request and a CO technician request.

79. The system of claim 76, wherein the transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

80. The system of claim 76, wherein the communications channel is at least one of a wired or wireless link.

81. A diagnostic system that communicates diagnostic information over a communication channel using multicarrier modulation comprising:

a first transceiver that transmits an initiate diagnostic mode message to a second transceiver; and

a message determination module that determines and, in cooperation with the first transceiver, transmits a diagnostic message using a modulation scheme that comprises mapping at least one bit in the diagnostic message to at least one REVERB signal, wherein the diagnostic message comprises diagnostic information about the communication channel including at least one of a length of the diagnostic information, a time domain received reverb signal, a frequency domain reverb signal, an amplifier setting, a CO transmitter power spectral density, a frequency domain received idle channel, a signal to noise ratio, bits and gain information, and upstream and downstream transmission rates and wherein the first transceiver transmits the initiate diagnostic mode message in the event steady state communications can not be established due to the communication channel conditions.

82. The system of claim 81, wherein the diagnostic message is re-transmitted at least one time.

83. The system of claim 81, wherein transmitting the initiate diagnostic mode message is based on at least one of an initialization failure, a bit rate failure, a CRC error in an initialization message, a CRC error during the normal steady state transmission mode, a forward error correction error, a user request and a CO technician request.

84. The system of claim 81, wherein the first transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

85. The system of claim 81, wherein the second transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

86. The system of claim 81, wherein the communications channel is at least one of a wired or wireless link.

88. The system of claim 81, wherein the diagnostic message is re-transmitted at least one time.

87. A diagnostic system that communicates diagnostic information over a communication channel using multicarrier modulation comprising:

a transceiver that transmits an initiate diagnostic mode message; and

a message determination module that determines and, in cooperation with the transceiver, transmits a diagnostic message using a modulation scheme that comprises mapping at least one bit in the diagnostic message to at least one REVERB signal, wherein the diagnostic message comprises diagnostic information about the communication channel including at least one of a length of the diagnostic information, a time domain received reverb signal, a frequency domain reverb signal, an amplifier setting, a CO transmitter power spectral density, a frequency domain received idle channel, a signal to noise ratio, bits and gain information, and upstream and downstream transmission rates and wherein the transceiver transmits the initiate diagnostic mode message in the event steady state communications can not be established due to the communication channel conditions.

89. The system of claim 87, wherein transmitting the initiate diagnostic mode message is based on at least one of an initialization failure, a bit rate failure, a CRC error in an initialization message, a CRC error during the normal steady state transmission mode, a forward error correction error, a user request and a CO technician request.

90. The system of claim 87, wherein the transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

91. The system of claim 87, wherein the communications channel is at least one of a wired or wireless link.

92. A diagnostic system that communicates diagnostic information over a communication channel using multicarrier modulation comprising:

a transceiver that receives an initiate diagnostic mode message; and

a message determination module that determines and, in cooperation with the transceiver, transmits a diagnostic message using a modulation scheme that comprises mapping at least one bit in the diagnostic message to at least one REVERB signal, wherein the diagnostic message comprises diagnostic information about the communication channel including at least one of a length of the diagnostic information, a time domain received reverb signal, a frequency domain reverb signal, an amplifier setting, a CO transmitter power spectral density, a frequency domain received idle channel, a signal to noise ratio, bits and gain information, and upstream and downstream transmission rates and wherein the transceiver transmits the initiate diagnostic mode message in the event steady state communications can not be established due to the communication channel conditions.

93. The system of claim 92, wherein the diagnostic message is re-transmitted at least one time.

94. The system of claim 92, wherein transmitting the initiate diagnostic mode message is based on at least one of an initialization failure, a bit rate failure, a CRC error in an initialization message, a CRC error during the normal steady state transmission mode, a forward error correction error, a user request and a CO technician request.

95. The system of claim 92, wherein the transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

96. The method of claim 92, wherein the communications channel is at least one of a wired or wireless link.

97. A system that communicates diagnostic channel information from a first transceiver to a second transceiver over a communication channel using multicarrier modulation comprising:

means for transmitting an initiate diagnostic mode message from the first transceiver to the second transceiver; and

means for transmitting a diagnostic message using a modulation scheme that comprises mapping at least one bit in the diagnostic message to at least one REVERB signal, wherein the diagnostic message comprises diagnostic information about the communication channel including at least one of a length of the diagnostic information, a time domain received reverb signal, a frequency domain reverb signal, an amplifier setting, a CO transmitter power spectral density, a frequency domain received idle channel, a signal to noise ratio, bits and gain information, and upstream and downstream transmission rates.

98. The system of claim 97, wherein the diagnostic message is re-transmitted at least one time.

99. The system of claim 97, wherein transmitting the initiate diagnostic mode message is based on at least one of an initialization failure, a bit rate failure, a CRC error in an initialization message, a CRC error during the normal steady state transmission mode, a forward error correction error, a user request and a CO technician request.

100. The system of claim 97, wherein the first transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

101. The system of claim 97, wherein the second transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

102. The system of claim 97, wherein the communications channel is at least one of a wired or wireless link.

103. In a multicarrier communication transceiver, a system that communicates diagnostic information over a communication channel using multicarrier modulation comprising:

transmitting an initiate diagnostic mode message; and

transmitting a diagnostic message using a modulation scheme that comprises mapping at least one bit in the diagnostic message to at least one REVERB signal, wherein the diagnostic message comprises diagnostic information about the communication channel including at least one of a length of the diagnostic information, a time domain received reverb signal, a frequency domain reverb signal, an amplifier setting, a CO transmitter power spectral density, a frequency domain received idle channel, a signal to noise ratio, bits and gain information, and upstream and downstream transmission rates.

104. The system of claim 103, wherein the diagnostic message is re-transmitted at least one time.

105. The system of claim 103, wherein transmitting the initiate diagnostic mode message is based on at least one of an initialization failure, a bit rate failure, a CRC error in an initialization message, a CRC error during the normal steady state transmission mode, a forward error correction error, a user request and a CO technician request.

106. The system of claim 103, wherein the transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

107. The system of claim 103, wherein the communications channel is at least one of a wired or wireless link.

108. In a multicarrier communication transceiver, a system that communicates diagnostic information over a communication channel using multicarrier modulation comprising:

means for receiving an initiate diagnostic mode message; and

means for transmitting a diagnostic message using a modulation scheme that comprises mapping at least one bit in the diagnostic message to at least one REVERB signal, wherein the diagnostic message comprises diagnostic information about the communication channel including at least one of a length of the diagnostic information, a time domain received reverb signal, a frequency domain reverb signal, an amplifier setting, a CO transmitter power spectral density, a frequency domain received idle channel, a signal to noise ratio, bits and gain information, and upstream and downstream transmission rates.

109. The system of claim 108, wherein the diagnostic message is re-transmitted at least one time.

110. The system of claim 108, wherein transmitting the initiate diagnostic mode message is based on at least one of an initialization failure, a bit rate failure, a CRC error in an initialization message, a CRC error during the normal steady state transmission mode, a forward error correction error, a user request and a CO technician request.

111. The system of claim 108, wherein the transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

112. The system of claim 108, wherein the communications channel is at least one of a wired or wireless link.

113. A system that communicates diagnostic information from a first transceiver to a second transceiver over a communication channel using multicarrier modulation comprising:

means for transmitting an initiate diagnostic mode message from the first transceiver to the second transceiver; and

means for transmitting a diagnostic message using a modulation scheme that comprises mapping at least one bit in the diagnostic message to at least one REVERB signal, wherein the diagnostic message comprises diagnostic information about the communication channel including at least one of a length of the diagnostic information, a time domain received reverb signal, a frequency domain reverb signal, an amplifier setting, a CO transmitter power spectral density, a frequency domain received idle channel, a signal to noise ratio, bits and gain information, and upstream and downstream transmission rates and wherein the first transceiver transmits the initiate diagnostic mode message in the event steady state communications can not be established due to the communication channel conditions.

114. The system of claim 113, wherein the diagnostic message is re-transmitted at least one time.

115. The system of claim 113, wherein transmitting the initiate diagnostic mode message is based on at least one of an initialization failure, a bit rate failure, a CRC error in an initialization message, a CRC error during the normal steady state transmission mode, a forward error correction error, a user request and a CO technician request.

116. The system of claim 113, wherein the first transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

117. The system of claim 113, wherein the second transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

118. The system of claim 113, wherein the communications channel is at least one of a wired or wireless link.

119. In a multicarrier modulation transceiver, a system that communicates diagnostic information over a communication channel using multicarrier modulation comprising:

means for transmitting an initiate diagnostic mode message; and

means for transmitting a diagnostic message using a modulation scheme that comprises mapping at least one bit in the diagnostic message to at least one REVERB signal, wherein the diagnostic message comprises diagnostic information about the communication channel including at least one of a length of the diagnostic information, a time domain received reverb signal, a frequency domain reverb signal, an amplifier setting, a CO transmitter power spectral density, a frequency domain received idle channel, a signal to noise ratio, bits and gain information, and upstream and downstream transmission rates and wherein the first transceiver transmits the initiate diagnostic mode message in the event steady state communications can not be established due to the communication channel conditions.

120. The system of claim 119, wherein the diagnostic message is re-transmitted at least one time.

121. The system of claim 119, wherein transmitting the initiate diagnostic mode message is based on at least one of an initialization failure, a bit rate failure, a CRC error in an initialization message, a CRC error during the normal steady state transmission mode, a forward error correction error, a user request and a CO technician request.

122. The system of claim 119, wherein the transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

123. The system of claim 119, wherein the communications channel is at least one of a wired or wireless link.

124. In a multicarrier modulation transceiver, a system for communicating diagnostic information over a communication channel using multicarrier modulation comprising:

means for receiving an initiate diagnostic mode message; and

means for transmitting a diagnostic message using a modulation scheme that comprises mapping at least one bit in the diagnostic message to at least one REVERB signal, wherein the diagnostic message comprises diagnostic information about the communication channel including at least one of a length of the diagnostic information, a time domain received reverb signal, a frequency domain reverb signal, an amplifier setting, a CO transmitter power spectral density, a frequency domain received idle channel, a signal to noise ratio, bits and gain information, and upstream and downstream transmission rates and wherein the first transceiver transmits the initiate diagnostic mode message in the event steady state communications can not be established due to the communication channel conditions.

125. The system of claim 124, wherein the diagnostic message is re-transmitted at least one time.

126. The system of claim 124, wherein transmitting the initiate diagnostic mode message is based on at least one of an initialization failure, a bit rate failure, a CRC error in an initialization message, a CRC error during the normal steady state transmission mode, a forward error correction error, a user request and a CO technician request.

127. The system of claim 124, wherein the transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

128. The system of claim 124, wherein the communications channel is at least one of a wired or wireless link.

129. A protocol for communicating diagnostic information from a first transceiver to a second transceiver over a communication channel using multicarrier modulation comprising:

transmitting an initiate diagnostic mode message from the first transceiver to the second transceiver; and

transmitting a diagnostic message using a modulation scheme that comprises mapping at least one bit in the diagnostic message to at least one REVERB signal, wherein the diagnostic message comprises diagnostic information about the communication channel including at least one of a length of the diagnostic information, a time domain received reverb signal, a frequency domain reverb signal, an amplifier setting, a CO transmitter power spectral density, a frequency domain received idle channel, a signal to noise ratio, bits and gain information, and upstream and downstream transmission rates.

130. The protocol of claim 129, wherein the diagnostic message is re-transmitted at least one time.

131. The protocol of claim 129, wherein transmitting the initiate diagnostic mode message is based on at least one of an initialization failure, a bit rate failure, a CRC error in an initialization message, a CRC error during the normal steady state transmission mode, a forward error correction error, a user request and a CO technician request.

132. The protocol of claim 129, wherein the first transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

133. The protocol of claim 129, wherein the second transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

134. The protocol of claim 129, wherein the communications channel is at least one a wired or wireless link.

135. In a multicarrier communication transceiver, a protocol for communicating diagnostic information over a communication channel using multicarrier modulation comprising:

transmitting an initiate diagnostic mode message; and

transmitting a diagnostic message using a modulation scheme that comprises mapping at least one bit in the diagnostic message to at least one REVERB signal, wherein the diagnostic message comprises diagnostic information about the communication channel including at least one of a length of the diagnostic information, a time domain received reverb signal, a frequency domain reverb signal, an amplifier setting, a CO transmitter power spectral density, a frequency domain received idle channel, a signal to noise ratio, bits and gain information, and upstream and downstream transmission rates.

136. The protocol of claim 135, wherein the diagnostic message is re-transmitted at least one time.

137. The protocol of claim 135, wherein transmitting the initiate diagnostic mode message is based on at least one of an initialization failure, a bit rate failure, a CRC error in an initialization message, a CRC error during the normal steady state transmission mode, a forward error correction error, a user request and a CO technician request.

138. The protocol of claim 135, wherein the transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

139. The protocol of claim 135, wherein the communications channel is at least one of a wired or wireless link.

140. In a multicarrier communication transceiver, a protocol for communicating diagnostic information over a communication channel using multicarrier modulation comprising:

receiving an initiate diagnostic mode message; and

transmitting a diagnostic message using a modulation scheme that comprises mapping at least one bit in the diagnostic message to at least one REVERB signal, wherein the diagnostic message comprises diagnostic information about the communication channel including at least one of a length of the diagnostic information, a time domain received reverb signal, a frequency domain reverb signal, an amplifier setting, a CO transmitter power spectral density, a frequency domain received idle channel, a signal to noise ratio, bits and gain information, and upstream and downstream transmission rates.

141. The protocol of claim 140, wherein the diagnostic message is re-transmitted at least one time.

142. The protocol of claim 140, wherein transmitting the initiate diagnostic mode message is based on at least one of an initialization failure, a bit rate failure, a CRC error in an initialization message, a CRC error during the normal steady state transmission mode, a forward error correction error, a user request and a CO technician request.

143. The protocol of claim 140, wherein the transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

144. The protocol of claim 140, wherein the communications channel is at least one of a wired or wireless link.

145. A protocol for communicating diagnostic information from a first transceiver to a second transceiver over a communication channel using multicarrier modulation comprising:

transmitting an initiate diagnostic mode message from the first transceiver to the second transceiver; and

transmitting a diagnostic message using a modulation scheme that comprises mapping at least one bit in the diagnostic message to at least one REVERB signal, wherein the diagnostic message comprises diagnostic information about the communication channel including at least one of a length of the diagnostic information, a time domain received reverb signal, a frequency domain reverb signal, an amplifier setting, a CO transmitter power spectral density, a frequency domain received idle channel, a signal to noise ratio, bits and gain information, and upstream and downstream transmission rates and wherein the first transceiver transmits the initiate diagnostic mode message in the event steady state communications can not be established due to the communication channel conditions.

146. The protocol of claim 145, wherein the diagnostic message is re-transmitted at least one time.

147. The protocol of claim 145, wherein transmitting the initiate diagnostic mode message is based on at least one of an initialization failure, a bit rate failure, a CRC error in an initialization message, a CRC error during the normal steady state transmission mode, a forward error correction error, a user request and a CO technician request.

148. The protocol of claim 145, wherein the first transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

149. The protocol of claim 145, wherein the second transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

150. The protocol of claim 145, wherein the communications channel is at least one of a wired or wireless link.

151. In a multicarrier modulation transceiver, a protocol for communicating diagnostic information over a communication channel using multicarrier modulation comprising:

transmitting an initiate diagnostic mode message; and

transmitting a diagnostic message using a modulation scheme that comprises mapping at least one bit in the diagnostic message to at least one REVERB signal, wherein the diagnostic message comprises diagnostic information about the communication channel including at least one of a length of the diagnostic information, a time domain received reverb signal, a frequency domain reverb signal, an amplifier setting, a CO transmitter power spectral density, a frequency domain received idle channel, a signal to noise ratio, bits and gain information, and upstream and downstream transmission rates and wherein the first transceiver transmits the initiate diagnostic mode message in the event steady state communications can not be established due to the communication channel conditions.

152. The protocol of claim 151, wherein the diagnostic message is re-transmitted at least one time.

153. The protocol of claim 151, wherein transmitting the initiate diagnostic mode message is based on at least one of an initialization failure, a bit rate failure, a CRC error in an initialization message, a CRC error during the normal steady state transmission mode, a forward error correction error, a user request and a CO technician request.

154. The protocol of claim 151, wherein the transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

155. The protocol of claim 151, wherein the communications channel is at least one of a wired or wireless link.

156. In a multicarrier modulation transceiver, a protocol for communicating diagnostic information over a communication channel using multicarrier modulation comprising:

receiving an initiate diagnostic mode message; and

transmitting a diagnostic message using a modulation scheme that comprises mapping at least one bit in the diagnostic message to at least one REVERB signal, wherein the diagnostic message comprises diagnostic information about the communication channel including at least one of a length of the diagnostic information, a time domain received reverb signal, a frequency domain reverb signal, an amplifier setting, a CO transmitter power spectral density, a frequency domain received idle channel, a signal to noise ratio, bits and gain information, and upstream and downstream transmission rates and wherein the first transceiver transmits the initiate diagnostic mode message in the event steady state communications can not be established due to the communication channel conditions.

157. The protocol of claim 156, wherein the diagnostic message is re-transmitted at least one time.

158. The protocol of claim 156, wherein transmitting the initiate diagnostic mode message is based on at least one of an initialization failure, a bit rate failure, a CRC error in an initialization message, a CRC error during the normal steady state transmission mode, a forward error correction error, a user request and a CO technician request.

159. The protocol of claim 156, wherein the transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

160. The protocol of claim 156, wherein the communications channel is at least one of a wired or wireless link.

161. An information storage media comprising information that communicates diagnostic information from a first transceiver to a second transceiver over a communication channel using multicarrier modulation comprising:

information that transmits an initiate diagnostic mode message from the first transceiver to the second transceiver; and

information that transmits a diagnostic message using a modulation scheme that comprises mapping at least one bit in the diagnostic message to at least one REVERB signal, wherein the diagnostic message comprises diagnostic information about the communication channel including at least one of a length of the diagnostic information, a time domain received reverb signal, a frequency domain reverb signal, an amplifier setting, a CO transmitter power spectral density, a frequency domain received idle channel, a signal to noise ratio, bits and gain information, and upstream and downstream transmission rates.

162. The media of claim 161, wherein the diagnostic message is re-transmitted at least one time.

163. The media of claim 161, wherein transmitting the initiate diagnostic mode message is based on at least one of an initialization failure, a bit rate failure, a CRC error in an initialization message, a CRC error during the normal steady state transmission mode, a forward error correction error, a user request and a CO technician request.

164. The media of claim 161, wherein the first transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

165. The media of claim 161, wherein the second transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

166. The media of claim 161, wherein the communications channel is at least one of a wired or wireless link.

167. An information storage media comprising information that communicates diagnostic information over a communication channel using multicarrier modulation comprising:

information that transmits an initiate diagnostic mode message; and

information that transmits a diagnostic message using a modulation scheme that comprises mapping at least one bit in the diagnostic message to at least one REVERB signal, wherein the diagnostic message comprises diagnostic information about the communication channel including at least one of a length of the diagnostic information, a time domain received reverb signal, a frequency domain reverb signal, an amplifier setting, a CO transmitter power spectral density, a frequency domain received idle channel, a signal to noise ratio, bits and gain information, and upstream and downstream transmission rates.

168. The media of claim 167, wherein the diagnostic message is re-transmitted at least one time.

169. The media of claim 167, wherein transmitting the initiate diagnostic mode message is based on at least one of an initialization failure, a bit rate failure, a CRC error in an initialization message, a CRC error during the normal steady state transmission mode, a forward error correction error, a user request and a CO technician request.

170. The media of claim 167, wherein the transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

171. The media of claim 167, wherein the communications channel is at least one of a wired or wireless link.

172. An information storage media comprising information that communicates diagnostic information over a communication channel using multicarrier modulation comprising:

information that receives an initiate diagnostic mode message; and

information that transmits a diagnostic message using a modulation scheme that comprises mapping at least one bit in the diagnostic message to at least one REVERB signal, wherein the diagnostic message comprises diagnostic information about the communication channel including at least one of a length of the diagnostic information, a time domain received reverb signal, a frequency domain reverb signal, an amplifier setting, a CO transmitter power spectral density, a frequency domain received idle channel, a signal to noise ratio, bits and gain information, and upstream and downstream transmission rates.

173. The media of claim 172, wherein the diagnostic message is re-transmitted at least one time.

174. The media of claim 172, wherein transmitting the initiate diagnostic mode message is based on at least one of an initialization failure, a bit rate failure, a CRC error in an initialization message, a CRC error during the normal steady state transmission mode, a forward error correction error, a user request and a CO technician request.

175. The media of claim 172, wherein the transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

176. The media of claim 172, wherein the communications channel is at least one of a wired or wireless link.

177. An information storage media comprising information a communicates diagnostic information from a first transceiver to a second transceiver over a communication channel using multicarrier modulation comprising:

information that transmits an initiate diagnostic mode message from the first transceiver to the second transceiver; and

information that transmits a diagnostic message using a modulation scheme that comprises mapping at least one bit in the diagnostic message to at least one REVERB signal, wherein the diagnostic message comprises diagnostic information about the communication channel including at least one of a length of the diagnostic information, a time domain received reverb signal, a frequency domain reverb signal, an amplifier setting, a CO transmitter power spectral density, a frequency domain received idle channel, a signal to noise ratio, bits and gain information, and upstream and downstream transmission rates and wherein the first transceiver transmits the initiate diagnostic mode message in the event steady state communications can not be established due to the communication channel conditions.

178. The media of claim 177, wherein the diagnostic message is re-transmitted at least one time.

179. The media of claim 177, wherein transmitting the initiate diagnostic mode message is based on at least one of an initialization failure, a bit rate failure, a CRC error in an initialization message, a CRC error during the normal steady state transmission mode, a forward error correction error, a user request and a CO technician request.

180. The media of claim 177, wherein the first transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

181. The media of claim 177, wherein the second transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

182. The media of claim 177, wherein the communications channel is at least one of a wired or wireless link.

183. An information storage media comprising information that communicates diagnostic information over a communication channel using multicarrier modulation comprising:

information that transmits an initiate diagnostic mode message; and

information that transmits a diagnostic message using a modulation scheme that comprises mapping at least one bit in the diagnostic message to at least one REVERB signal, wherein the diagnostic message comprises diagnostic information about the communication channel including at least one of a length of the diagnostic information, a time domain received reverb signal, a frequency domain reverb signal, an amplifier setting, a CO transmitter power spectral density, a frequency domain received idle channel, a signal to noise ratio, bits and gain information, and upstream and downstream transmission rates and wherein the first transceiver transmits the initiate diagnostic mode message in the event steady state communications can not be established due to the communication channel conditions.

184. The media of claim 183, wherein the diagnostic message is re-transmitted at least one time.

185. The media of claim 183, wherein transmitting the initiate diagnostic mode message is based on at least one of an initialization failure, a bit rate failure, a CRC error in an initialization message, a CRC error during the normal steady state transmission mode, a forward error correction error, a user request and a CO technician request.

186. The media of claim 183, wherein the transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

187. The media of claim 183, wherein the communications channel is at least one of a wired or wireless link.

188. An information storage media comprising information that communicates diagnostic information over a communication channel using multicarrier modulation comprising:

information that receives an initiate diagnostic mode message; and

information that transmits a diagnostic message using a modulation scheme that comprises mapping at least one bit in the diagnostic message to at least one REVERB signal, wherein the diagnostic message comprises diagnostic information about the communication channel including at least one of a length of the diagnostic information, a time domain received reverb signal, a frequency domain reverb signal, an amplifier setting, a CO transmitter power spectral density, a frequency domain received idle channel, a signal to noise ratio, bits and gain information, and upstream and downstream transmission rates and wherein the first transceiver transmits the initiate diagnostic mode message in the event steady state communications can not be established due to the communication channel conditions.

189. The media of claim 188, wherein the diagnostic message is re-transmitted at least one time.

190. The media of claim 188, wherein transmitting the initiate diagnostic mode message is based on at least one of an initialization failure, a bit rate failure, a CRC error in an initialization message, a CRC error during the normal steady state transmission mode, a forward error correction error, a user request and a CO technician request.

191. The media of claim 188, wherein the transceiver is a central office modem or a remote terminal modem.

192. The media of claim 188, wherein the communications channel is at least one of a wired or wireless link.