Remote access integrated tester

• US 7,873,873 B2
• Filed: 03/04/2008
• Issued: 01/18/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 03/05/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Viavi Solutions, Inc. (Lumentum Holdings Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Acterna LLC (Lumentum Holdings Inc.)
• Inventors: Boyes, David J., Marr, Paul
• Primary Examiner(s): Bonzo; Bryce P
• Application Number:
  US12/041,909
• Publication Number:
  US 20080219335A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,050 Days
• Field of Search: 714/43, 455/226.1, 379/21
• US Class Current: 714/43
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2201/32 Personal computers
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/301 Circuit arrangements at the subscriber's side of the line
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 3/308 Craftsperson test terminals

Abstract

In conventional testing, the user is using an on-hand computing device to control testing; however, for the present invention the user is at the access point and the computer is remote, e.g. nearby or in the technician'"'"'s vehicle, and not being used by the user to run the tests. The present invention provides a means to conveniently connect a customer provided network access device, e.g. a USB “dongle” modem, via a wireless link to the remote computer, which is providing the test application. The computer is remote, and the remote module device extends the reach of the commercial dongle modem so it is not necessary to carry the computer to the test access point.

Claims

1. A system for field testing a communication network comprising:

a computer providing testing procedures to be carried out on the communication network;

a handheld module for use by a technician remote from and in wireless communication with said computer;

a modem extending from the handheld module for connecting with a desired test point in the communication network;

wherein the handheld module receives the testing procedures from the computer and implements them into the communication network via the modem;

wherein the handheld module receive testing data from the modem and transmits them to the computer via wireless communication;

wherein the handheld module receives testing results from the computer via wireless communication for communicating the testing results to the technician; and

wherein driver software for the modem resides only in the computer to enable the handheld module to be used for different communication networks.

2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising:

a visual or audio means for indicating to a technician holding the handheld module the results of the tests of the network conducted by the remotely located computer.

3. A system for testing a network in the field comprising;

a network access modem device including a first connector for accessing the network at a predetermined test access point, and a second USB connector;

a computer with testing procedures thereon for conducting the tests of the network located remotely from the predetermined test point; and

a battery-powered wireless USB interface device connected to the network access modem via the second USB connector, and in wireless communication with the computer, the interface device including communication means for visual display and/or audio communication of test results;

wherein the interface device includes control means for initiating the tests on the computer, for receiving the tests from the computer, for transmitting the tests to the network via the network access modem, for receiving test results via the network access modem, for transmitting the test results to the computer, and for receiving and communicating compiled test results from the computer via the communication means.

4. The system according to claim 3, further comprising:

a visual or audio means for indicating to a technician holding the handheld module the results of the tests of the network conducted by the remotely located computer.

5. A handheld module for field testing a network at predetermined test point comprising:

a USB port for connecting by means of a USB cable to a USB modem capable of accessing the network at the test point;

a wireless connection for providing a wireless link to a remotely located computer that is used in conducting the tests of the network; and

means for battery powering the handheld module;

wherein the driver software required to facilitate a USB connection through the wireless link and the handheld module to the USB modem resides only within the computer.

6. The module according to claim 5, further comprising:

a visual or audio means for indicating to a technician holding the handheld module the results of the tests of the network conducted by the remotely located computer.