Systems and methods for characterizing transmission lines using broadband signals in a multi-carrier DSL environment

• US 7,773,666 B2
• Filed: 04/17/2006
• Issued: 08/10/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 08/10/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Avago Technologies International Sales Pte Limited (Broadcom, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Aware Incorporated (Crowley Holdings Preferred LLC)
• Inventors: Belge, Murat, Tzannes, Michael A., Padir, Halil
• Primary Examiner(s): Odom, Curtis B
• Application Number:
  US11/404,823
• Publication Number:
  US 20060182169A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,576 Days
• Field of Search: 375/222
• US Class Current: 375/222
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 3/46 Monitoring; Testing
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 3/487 Testing crosstalk effects
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/0002 by adapting the transmission rate
• 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 25/0202 Channel estimation
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 5/0046 Determination of how many bits are transmitted on different sub-channels
• 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 3/306 for frequencies above the voice frequency, e.g. xDSL line qualification test methods, test equipment and test arrangements for subscriber lines using xDSL modems H04M3/304; systems modifying transmission characteristics according to link quality H04L1/0001; monitoring and/or testing of line transmission systems H04B3/46
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/50 in wire-line communication networks, e.g. low power modes or reduced link rate

Abstract

Using DSL modems as data collectors, the modems processes the data to, for example, allow easier interpretation of the line characteristics. In particular, the modems postprocess the data including calibration, filter compensation, determination of the SNR medley from the bits and gains tables and rate conversion. The interpretation process uses the postprocessed data and determines loop characterization, interferer detection, a data reduction estimation and a data rate estimation. The outputs of these determinations least allow for the characterization of the line conditions between the two modems.

Claims

1. A multicarrier communication line characterization system comprising a data postprocessing and interpretation module for determining characteristics of a communication line, wherein the data postprocessing and interpretation module is adapted to receive raw data from a remotely located multicarrier modem having a data collection module, the data postprocessing and interpretation module interprets the raw data received from the data collection module to determine characteristics of the communication line and performs a data rate reduction estimation by determining a difference between an actual data rate with disturbances and an estimated data rate for a disturber-free line.

2. The multicarrier communication line characterization system according to claim 1, wherein the multicarrier communication line characterization system comprises the multicarrier modem having the data collection module designed to collect raw data.

3. the multicarrier communication line characterization system according to claim 1, wherein the data postprocessing and interpretation module performs at least one of a loop characterization, interferer detection and a data rate estimation.

4. A communication line characterization method for determining characteristics of a communication line, comprising:

receiving raw data from a remotely located multicarrier modem with a data collection module;

interpreting the raw data received from the data collection module to determine characteristics of the communication line;

performing a data rate reduction estimation by determining a difference between an actual data rate with disturbances and an estimated data rate for a disturber-free line, wherein the data rate reduction is caused by one or more of crosstalk and disturbers.

5. Method according to claim 4, further comprising collecting raw data in the remotely located multicarrier modem.

6. Method according to claim 4, further comprising performing at least one of loop characterization, interferer detection and data rate estimation.

7. A computer readable information storage media including computer readable instructions that, if executed, perform a communication line characterization method for determining characteristics of a communication line, comprising:

receiving raw data from a remotely located multicarrier modem with a data collection module;

interpreting the raw data received from the data collection module to determine characteristics of the communication line;

performing a data rate reduction estimation by determining a difference between an actual data rate with disturbances and an estimated data rate for a disturber-free line, wherein the data rate reduction is caused by one or more of crosstalk and disturbers.

8. The media of claim 7, further comprising collecting raw data in the remotely located multicarrier modem.

9. The media of claim 7, further comprising performing at least one of loop characterization, interferer detection and data rate estimation.

10. A multicarrier communications line characterization system comprising a data postprocessing and interpretation module capable of determining characteristics of a communication line, wherein the data postprocessing and interpretation module is adapted to receive raw data from a remotely located multicarrier modem having a data collection module, the data postprocessing and interpretation module interprets the raw data from the data collection module to determine characteristics of the communication line and performs a data rate reduction estimation by determining a difference between an actual data with disturbances and an estimated data rate for a disturber-free line and identifies the disturbances on a communication line as at least one an electromagnetic signal, an HDSL signal, an ADSL signal or a T1 signal.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the identified disturbance is output.

12. A communication line characterization method for determining characteristics of a communication line, comprising:

receiving raw data from a remotely located multicarrier modem with a data collection module;

interpreting the raw data received from the data collection module to determine characteristics of the communication line;

performing a data rate reduction estimation by determining a difference between an actual data rate with disturbances and an estimated data rate for a disturber-free line, wherein the data rate reduction is caused by one or more of crosstalk and disturbers; and

identifying the disturbances on the communication line as at least one an electromagnetic signal, an HDSL signal, an ADSL signal or a T1 signal.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising outputting the identified disturbance.