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

• US 8,559,489 B2
• Filed: 05/04/2012
• Issued: 10/15/2013
• 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:
  US13/464,329
• Publication Number:
  US 20120263216A1
• Time in Patent Office: 529 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 communication line characterization method to determine characteristics of a communication line, comprising:

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

interpreting, using a postprocessing and interpretation module and processor, 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 one or more disturbances and an estimated data rate for a disturber-free line, wherein the data rate reduction is caused by one or more disturbances including one or more of crosstalk and disturbers on the communication line; and

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

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising outputting the identified disturbance.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the remotely located multicarrier modem is a central office modem or a customer premises modem.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the remotely located multicarrier modem is a DSL central office modem or a DSL customer premises modem.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the communications line is a twisted pair communications line.

6. A communication line characterization system operative to determine characteristics of a communication line, comprising:

a postprocessing and interpretation module and processor adapted to;

receive raw data from a remotely located multicarrier modem with a data collection module and interpret the raw data received from the data collection module to determine characteristics of the communication line;

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

identify the one or more disturbances on the communication line as at least one of an electromagnetic signal, an HDSL signal, an ADSL signal and a T1 signal.

7. The system of claim 6, further comprising outputting the identified disturbance.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein the remotely located multicarrier modem is a central office modem or a customer premises modem.

9. The system of claim 6, wherein the remotely located multicarrier modem is a DSL central office modem or a DSL customer premises modem.

10. The system of claim 6, wherein the communications line is a twisted pair communications line.

11. A non-transitory computer-readable information storage media, having stored thereon instructions, that when executed by a processor, cause to be performed a communication line characterization method to determine characteristics of a communication line, comprising:

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

interpreting, using a postprocessing and interpretation module and processor, 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 one or more disturbances and an estimated data rate for a disturber-free line, wherein the data rate reduction is caused by one or more disturbances including one or more of crosstalk and disturbers on the communication line; and

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

12. The media of claim 11, further comprising outputting the identified disturbance.

13. The media of claim 11, wherein the remotely located multicarrier modem is a central office modem or a customer premises modem.

14. The media of claim 11, wherein the remotely located multicarrier modem is a DSL central office modem or a DSL customer premises modem.

15. The media of claim 11, wherein the communications line is a twisted pair communications line.