WO1999045689A1 - A method and an interface for monitoring a connection in a telecommunications network - Google Patents

A method and an interface for monitoring a connection in a telecommunications network Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1999045689A1
WO1999045689A1 PCT/NO1999/000070 NO9900070W WO9945689A1 WO 1999045689 A1 WO1999045689 A1 WO 1999045689A1 NO 9900070 W NO9900070 W NO 9900070W WO 9945689 A1 WO9945689 A1 WO 9945689A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
border
unit
signal
reflex
network
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NO1999/000070
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Terje Hjertvikrem
Erik Lindahl
Original Assignee
Safetel As
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Safetel As filed Critical Safetel As
Priority to AU27499/99A priority Critical patent/AU2749999A/en
Publication of WO1999045689A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999045689A1/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/22—Arrangements for supervision, monitoring or testing
    • H04M3/26—Arrangements for supervision, monitoring or testing with means for applying test signals or for measuring
    • H04M3/28—Automatic routine testing ; Fault testing; Installation testing; Test methods, test equipment or test arrangements therefor
    • H04M3/30—Automatic routine testing ; Fault testing; Installation testing; Test methods, test equipment or test arrangements therefor for subscriber's lines, for the local loop

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for defining and using an interface between the network owner side and the network user side in a telecommunications network, wherein the interface is a unit adapted to communicate with the network owner side, and register any change of state on the network user side. Further, the invention relates to an interface unit for use between the network owner side and the network user side in a telecommunications network, wherein the interface is adapted to communicate with the network owner side and register any change of state on the network user side.
  • the border between network owner and network user or customer is usually defined by a specific junction box or the like on a wall of the network user's premises.
  • a border is defined by clarify who is to bear the costs in the event of faults in the telecommunications network.
  • faults occur in the telecommunications network, they are, in the majority of cases, faults in the customer's telecommunications equipment or network.
  • the network owner In today's telecommunications networks, the network owner must dispatch a service engineer or repair technician to determine whether the fault is on the owner's network or the customer's private network or equipment. Fault localisation and repair are time- consuming and result in substantial operating expenses for the network owner. It would thus be a great advantage if the network owner were able pinpoint the location of the fault from the main exchange without having to dispatch anyone to locate the fault.
  • the object of the present invention is to overcome the problems associated with the prior art, and the method mentioned above is characterised, according to the invention, by
  • the border reflex unit relays to the telephone exchange in the form of a status signal information about any anomalies on the network user side selected from the group consisting of: breaks in the line, short circuits, voltage, capacitance, resistance and technical faults in the telecommunications equipment on the network user's premises.
  • At least two interface units with associated border reflex units may be used between the network owner side and the network user side in the telecommunications network.
  • the test signal transmitted from the telephone exchange may consist of a trigger signal and an identification signal related to a selected border reflex unit, the identification signal being designed to open the border reflex unit in order to retrieve and transmit information from the unit back to the telephone exchange.
  • the identification signal may, for instance, consist of at least two segments which each define a digit, letter, symbol or combination thereof.
  • the segments of the trigger signal and the identification signal may each have a duration of 100 ms, and be separated by a time interval of 200 ms.
  • the trigger signal is selected from the group consisting of: 4 kHz signal, 12 kHz signals, 16 kHz signals, FSK signals and overdecadic DTMF signals.
  • the segments of the identification signal each contain a DTMF tone signal.
  • the interface unit containing the border reflex unit is a part of a main distributor and/or a end distributor located on the network owner side, and /or at the last point on the network user's premises, and relays to the telephone exchange in the form of a status signal information about any anomalies on the network user side selected from the group consisting of: breaks in the line, short circuits, voltage, capacitance, resistance and technical faults.
  • the border reflex unit Prior to transmitting a status signal, the border reflex unit sends a border reflex unit- identifying signal.
  • the identification signal from the border reflex unit is identical to the identification signal transmitted from the telephone exchange to the same border reflex unit.
  • the aforementioned interface unit is characterised in that it contains a border reflex unit containing:
  • a line sensor for measuring the state of the line such as voltage, current, ohmic resistance, noise or the like
  • a signal transmitter for either sending back to the telephone exchange a response signal containing information which is characteristic for the status or condition of an intact telephone line as far as the border reflex unit, and any state of equipment therebeyond on the network user side, or not sending an echo signal if there is a fault on the line between the telephone exchange and the border reflex unit, or in the border reflex unit itself;
  • control unit for controlling the signal receiver, line sensor and signal transmitter.
  • the border reflex unit is adapted to be actuated by a border reflex unit-specific identification signal which is included in the test signal.
  • the border reflex unit response signal will contain the border reflex unit-specific identification signal and a status signal.
  • connection device for line electronics and/or test equipment.
  • the border reflex unit is also adapted to relay to the telephone exchange a status signal which is characteristic of any anomalies on the network user side selected from the group consisting of: breaks in the line, short circuits and technical faults in the telecommunications equipment on the network user's premises.
  • the border reflex unit may be a part of a main distributor and/or an end distributor in the telecommunications network and/or at the last point on the network user's premises.
  • Fig. 1 shows a prior art definition of a border in a telecommunications network
  • Fig. 2 shows the definition of a new interface according to the invention.
  • Fig. 3 shows, by way of example, the transmission of a signal sequence from the network owner exchange.
  • Fig. 4 depicts the reception of a signal sequence in an interface according to the invention.
  • Fig. 5 is a flow diagram of functions in the interface unit according to the invention.
  • Fig. 6 shows the transmission of a status signal from the interface unit according to the invention.
  • Fig. 7 shows a telecommunications network which includes the interface unit according to the invention and wherein several distributor units are included.
  • Fig. 8 shows a further improvement of the embodiment in Fig. 7 with an increased number of border reflex units in the telecommunications network.
  • Fig. 9 shows a detailed block diagram of an interface unit according to the present invention.
  • a telecommunications network will comprise a network owner exchange 1, a network user 2 and an interface 3 between the network owner exchange 1 and the network user 2.
  • the interface 3 defines the area of responsibility of the network owner and the network user respectively.
  • border reflex 4 is mounted in the junction box 3 which is defined as an interface between network owner 1 and network user 2.
  • the border reflex unit 4 can, for instance, be given the identity l C.
  • the network owner 1 When there is an indication that there is a fault somewhere on the line in a telecommunications network, the network owner 1 will, if the border reflex unit 4 has been mounted, transmit a signal sequence, e.g., consisting of a start pulse 5, a first digit or symbol 6 and a second digit or symbol 7.
  • the start pulse or trigger signal 5 to the border reflex unit 4 may, e.g., have a duration of 100 ms.
  • the signals 6 and 7, for example, may also be of a similar duration, i.e., 100 ms each.
  • the first and second digit or symbol are a DTMF signal.
  • the trigger signal 5 may, e.g., be a 4, 12 or 16 kHz signal, an FSK signal or an overdecadic DTMF signal.
  • the following two DTMF tone signals thus represent the identification number of the border reflex unit 4.
  • 1C has been chosen in the example in Fig. 2.
  • the signal receiver detects the start or trigger pulse and actuates the rest of the components in the border reflex unit, such as a control unit (CPU) 9, a level generator 10 and a signal transmitter 11.
  • the signal receiver 8 also registers the two DTMF tones "1" and "C" which come from the network owner exchange 1. As indicated in the flow chart in Fig. 5, the control unit 9 will cause certain operations to be carried out in the border reflex unit 4. The control unit 9 will check whether there is a start or trigger signal as indicated by function block 12. If there is such a trigger signal, the control unit 9 checks whether an identification signal has been received, as indicated by function block 13. If this has not happened, the control unit 9 will check whether a certain period of time has elapsed, e.g., one second, after the reception of the trigger signal, as indicated by function block 14. If no identification signal is received within the set time window, the operation of the border reflex unit will be terminated, as indicated by function block 15.
  • the function block 14 will re-actuate the function block 13 to test whether an identification signal has been received. If the identification signal has now been received, another function block will be actuated, indicated by the reference numeral 16.
  • the control unit 9 will test whether the identification number sent from the exchanges matches the identification number of the border reflex unit 4. If this identification number is not recognised, the operation in the border reflex unit 4 will be terminated, as indicted by the function block 15. However, if the identification code is recognised, the border reflex unit 4 will procure status from a level generator 10 which tests, for example, breaks in the line, short circuits, voltage, capacitance, resistance and any other technical faults in the telecommunications equipment or the telephone line on the network user side of the interface unit 3.
  • the border reflex unit 4 will actuate a signal transmitter 1 1 in the unit 4 in order to return the identification code (e.g., "1C") and a status signal, as is indicated by function block 17, the status signal being, e.g., another DTMF tone, indicated by the reference numeral 18 in Fig. 6.
  • the identification signals sent back to the network owner exchange 1 are for the sake of simplicity indicated by the references 6' and 7'. Between the returned signals there may be a pause, e.g., of 100 ms duration, although this should in no way be perceived as defining the limits of the invention.
  • the identification signals 6', 7', and the status signal 18 may basically be of any desirable duration, e.g., 100 ms.
  • the status signal 18 may be a number or a symbol which on the basis of a predetermined table provides information about, e.g., line voltage. For instance, the status signal "1" may indicate that the line voltage is OK, whilst status number “2" may indicate that there is no line voltage, and “3" may indicate there is only partial line voltage. 7
  • the network owner exchange 1 will receive the identification signal and the status signal and will give the network operator the opportunity to establish status on the telephone line as far as the border reflex unit 4.
  • the border reflex unit 4 will transmit a response to the network owner exchange 1 indicating line status.
  • the border reflex unit 4 will be capable of distinguishing between faults on the network user's side and those on the network owner's side of the interface 3.
  • the border reflex unit 4 will in fact function as a border reflex.
  • this unit is so constructed that it will not damage the connection between the network owner 1 and the network user 2. On actuation of the border reflex 4 there will still be voltage feed to the network user 2.
  • the line between the network owner exchange 1 and the network user 2 may pass via a number of distributors before the line ends in the interface 3 and ultimately with the network user 2.
  • a main distributor (HF) 19 and an end distributor (EF) 20 are indicated.
  • respective border reflex units may be mounted in the main distributor 19 and the end distributor 20, and additionally a border reflex unit (GR) may also be mounted at the network user's.
  • the respective border reflex units in the main distributor 19, the end distributor 20, the interface 3 and on the premises of the network user 2 may be indicated by the reference numerals 21, 22, 4 and 23, respectively.
  • the 8 different border reflex units 21, 22, 4 and 23 will each be given their respective identity number, e.g., 1 A, 2A, 1C and IB, for the border reflex units 21, 22, 4 and 23 respectively.
  • the network owner exchange 1 transmits enquiry signals to the respective border reflex units, these units will report back giving their identity number and status for that part of the telephone line they are capable of measuring. If the network owner finds that the fault is on the network owner's side of the interface 3, the network owner can easily reduce the fault search area considerably by transmitting different signal sequences on the line.
  • FIG. 9 A somewhat more detailed circuit diagram than the block diagram in Fig. 4 is shown in Fig. 9.
  • the level generator 10 may have a component 10' for measuring, e.g., line voltage, and a component 10" for measuring line current.
  • the border reflex unit may receive its power supply 24 from the telecommunications network as indicated by the reference numeral 24 or from a separate power supply 25 which may serve as a reserve power supply.

Abstract

A method for defining and using an interface between the network owner side and the network user side in a telecommunications network, wherein the interface is a unit adapted to communicate with the network owner side and register any change of state on the network user side, comprising: transmitting a pre-defined test signal from a telephone exchange on the network owner side to at least one receiving border reflex unit in the interface between the network owner side and the network user side, and either sending a response signal from the border reflex unit back to the telephone exchange which is characteristic for the status of an intact telephone line as far as the border reflex unit, and any state of equipment therebeyond on the network user side, or not sending any response signal back from the border reflex unit if there is a fault on the line between the telephone exchange and the border reflex unit or in the border reflex unit itself; and establishing in the exchange an overview of the state of the telephone line as far as the border reflex unit based on received or non-received response signal.

Description

A method and an interface for monitoring a connection in a telecommunications network
The present invention relates to a method for defining and using an interface between the network owner side and the network user side in a telecommunications network, wherein the interface is a unit adapted to communicate with the network owner side, and register any change of state on the network user side. Further, the invention relates to an interface unit for use between the network owner side and the network user side in a telecommunications network, wherein the interface is adapted to communicate with the network owner side and register any change of state on the network user side.
The border between network owner and network user or customer is usually defined by a specific junction box or the like on a wall of the network user's premises. One of the reasons why a border is defined is to clarify who is to bear the costs in the event of faults in the telecommunications network. When faults occur in the telecommunications network, they are, in the majority of cases, faults in the customer's telecommunications equipment or network. Often, it time-consuming and costly for the network owner to reach the point where it has been clarified whether a fault is on the customer's side of the border.
In today's telecommunications networks, the network owner must dispatch a service engineer or repair technician to determine whether the fault is on the owner's network or the customer's private network or equipment. Fault localisation and repair are time- consuming and result in substantial operating expenses for the network owner. It would thus be a great advantage if the network owner were able pinpoint the location of the fault from the main exchange without having to dispatch anyone to locate the fault.
Thus, the object of the present invention is to overcome the problems associated with the prior art, and the method mentioned above is characterised, according to the invention, by
- transmitting a predetermined test signal from a telephone exchange on the network owner side to at least one receiving border reflex unit in the interface unit between the network owner side and the network user side, and either sending a response signal from the border reflex unit back to the telephone exchange which is characteristic for the status of an intact telephone line as far as the border reflex unit, and any state of equipment therebeyond on the network user side, or not sending a response signal back from the border reflex unit if there is a fault on the line between the telephone exchange and the border reflex unit or in the border reflex unit itself; and
- establishing in the telephone exchange an overview of the state of the telephone line as far as the border reflex unit based on received or non-received response signals.
According to one embodiment of the method, the border reflex unit relays to the telephone exchange in the form of a status signal information about any anomalies on the network user side selected from the group consisting of: breaks in the line, short circuits, voltage, capacitance, resistance and technical faults in the telecommunications equipment on the network user's premises.
According to another embodiment, at least two interface units with associated border reflex units may be used between the network owner side and the network user side in the telecommunications network.
It would be advantageous to allow the test signal transmitted from the telephone exchange to consist of a trigger signal and an identification signal related to a selected border reflex unit, the identification signal being designed to open the border reflex unit in order to retrieve and transmit information from the unit back to the telephone exchange. The identification signal may, for instance, consist of at least two segments which each define a digit, letter, symbol or combination thereof. The segments of the trigger signal and the identification signal may each have a duration of 100 ms, and be separated by a time interval of 200 ms.
In another embodiment, the trigger signal is selected from the group consisting of: 4 kHz signal, 12 kHz signals, 16 kHz signals, FSK signals and overdecadic DTMF signals. The segments of the identification signal each contain a DTMF tone signal.
According to another embodiment of the method, the interface unit containing the border reflex unit is a part of a main distributor and/or a end distributor located on the network owner side, and /or at the last point on the network user's premises, and relays to the telephone exchange in the form of a status signal information about any anomalies on the network user side selected from the group consisting of: breaks in the line, short circuits, voltage, capacitance, resistance and technical faults. Prior to transmitting a status signal, the border reflex unit sends a border reflex unit- identifying signal. The identification signal from the border reflex unit is identical to the identification signal transmitted from the telephone exchange to the same border reflex unit.
Furthermore, the aforementioned interface unit is characterised in that it contains a border reflex unit containing:
- equipment for voltage feed from the telephone exchange on the network owner side to the network user irrespective of the operative state of the border reflex unit; - a signal receiver for receiving test signals from the telephone exchange;
- a line sensor for measuring the state of the line such as voltage, current, ohmic resistance, noise or the like,
- a signal transmitter for either sending back to the telephone exchange a response signal containing information which is characteristic for the status or condition of an intact telephone line as far as the border reflex unit, and any state of equipment therebeyond on the network user side, or not sending an echo signal if there is a fault on the line between the telephone exchange and the border reflex unit, or in the border reflex unit itself; and
- a control unit for controlling the signal receiver, line sensor and signal transmitter.
It is of advantage if the border reflex unit is adapted to be actuated by a border reflex unit-specific identification signal which is included in the test signal.
According to one embodiment, the border reflex unit response signal will contain the border reflex unit-specific identification signal and a status signal.
Moreover, in the border reflex unit there is a connection device for line electronics and/or test equipment.
The border reflex unit is also adapted to relay to the telephone exchange a status signal which is characteristic of any anomalies on the network user side selected from the group consisting of: breaks in the line, short circuits and technical faults in the telecommunications equipment on the network user's premises.
As yet another embodiment, the border reflex unit may be a part of a main distributor and/or an end distributor in the telecommunications network and/or at the last point on the network user's premises. The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the attached figures.
Fig. 1 shows a prior art definition of a border in a telecommunications network
Fig. 2 shows the definition of a new interface according to the invention.
Fig. 3 shows, by way of example, the transmission of a signal sequence from the network owner exchange.
Fig. 4 depicts the reception of a signal sequence in an interface according to the invention.
Fig. 5 is a flow diagram of functions in the interface unit according to the invention.
Fig. 6 shows the transmission of a status signal from the interface unit according to the invention.
Fig. 7 shows a telecommunications network which includes the interface unit according to the invention and wherein several distributor units are included.
Fig. 8 shows a further improvement of the embodiment in Fig. 7 with an increased number of border reflex units in the telecommunications network.
Fig. 9 shows a detailed block diagram of an interface unit according to the present invention.
A telecommunications network will comprise a network owner exchange 1, a network user 2 and an interface 3 between the network owner exchange 1 and the network user 2. The interface 3 defines the area of responsibility of the network owner and the network user respectively.
To facilitate identification of the location of a fault in a telecommunications network between network owner and network user, it is proposed according to the invention to provide in the interface an interface unit which is designated "border reflex", 4, indicated for the sake of simplicity by the letters GR. Said border reflex 4 is mounted in the junction box 3 which is defined as an interface between network owner 1 and network user 2.
In the chosen example according to Figs. 2, 3, 4, and 6, the border reflex unit 4 can, for instance, be given the identity l C.
Today's main exchanges on the network owner side are able to transmit several types of signals These include 4kHz, 12 kHz, 16 kHz, reversed polarity, FSK and DTMF. The border reflex unit 4 will to the greatest extent possible use existing signals and measuring equipment found in the present telephone exchanges.
When there is an indication that there is a fault somewhere on the line in a telecommunications network, the network owner 1 will, if the border reflex unit 4 has been mounted, transmit a signal sequence, e.g., consisting of a start pulse 5, a first digit or symbol 6 and a second digit or symbol 7. The start pulse or trigger signal 5 to the border reflex unit 4 may, e.g., have a duration of 100 ms. The signals 6 and 7, for example, may also be of a similar duration, i.e., 100 ms each. Between the signals 5 and 6, and 6 and 7, there may be a pause, e.g., in the order of 200 ms. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the first and second digit or symbol are a DTMF signal.
Of course, the example shown in Fig. 3 does not in any way define the limits of the inventive idea and scope of the invention, and signals and pauses of another duration and other types of signal may conceivably be used.
The trigger signal 5 may, e.g., be a 4, 12 or 16 kHz signal, an FSK signal or an overdecadic DTMF signal. The following two DTMF tone signals thus represent the identification number of the border reflex unit 4. As already mentioned, 1C has been chosen in the example in Fig. 2. In the border between network owner and network user, where the border reflex unit 4 has been installed, the following will happen: The start signal and the identification signal reach the border reflex unit 4 and once there enter a signal receiver 8. The signal receiver detects the start or trigger pulse and actuates the rest of the components in the border reflex unit, such as a control unit (CPU) 9, a level generator 10 and a signal transmitter 11. The signal receiver 8 also registers the two DTMF tones "1" and "C" which come from the network owner exchange 1. As indicated in the flow chart in Fig. 5, the control unit 9 will cause certain operations to be carried out in the border reflex unit 4. The control unit 9 will check whether there is a start or trigger signal as indicated by function block 12. If there is such a trigger signal, the control unit 9 checks whether an identification signal has been received, as indicated by function block 13. If this has not happened, the control unit 9 will check whether a certain period of time has elapsed, e.g., one second, after the reception of the trigger signal, as indicated by function block 14. If no identification signal is received within the set time window, the operation of the border reflex unit will be terminated, as indicated by function block 15.
If the time window has not yet passed, the function block 14 will re-actuate the function block 13 to test whether an identification signal has been received. If the identification signal has now been received, another function block will be actuated, indicated by the reference numeral 16. Here, the control unit 9 will test whether the identification number sent from the exchanges matches the identification number of the border reflex unit 4. If this identification number is not recognised, the operation in the border reflex unit 4 will be terminated, as indicted by the function block 15. However, if the identification code is recognised, the border reflex unit 4 will procure status from a level generator 10 which tests, for example, breaks in the line, short circuits, voltage, capacitance, resistance and any other technical faults in the telecommunications equipment or the telephone line on the network user side of the interface unit 3. Thus with the aid of the control unit 9, the border reflex unit 4 will actuate a signal transmitter 1 1 in the unit 4 in order to return the identification code (e.g., "1C") and a status signal, as is indicated by function block 17, the status signal being, e.g., another DTMF tone, indicated by the reference numeral 18 in Fig. 6. The identification signals sent back to the network owner exchange 1 are for the sake of simplicity indicated by the references 6' and 7'. Between the returned signals there may be a pause, e.g., of 100 ms duration, although this should in no way be perceived as defining the limits of the invention. The identification signals 6', 7', and the status signal 18 may basically be of any desirable duration, e.g., 100 ms.
The status signal 18 may be a number or a symbol which on the basis of a predetermined table provides information about, e.g., line voltage. For instance, the status signal "1" may indicate that the line voltage is OK, whilst status number "2" may indicate that there is no line voltage, and "3" may indicate there is only partial line voltage. 7
The network owner exchange 1 will receive the identification signal and the status signal and will give the network operator the opportunity to establish status on the telephone line as far as the border reflex unit 4.
If there is a fault on the network owner side of the interface 3, such as, e.g., a break in the line, there will be no response or echo from the border reflex unit 4. Nor in the case of a fault in the border reflex unit 4 itself will any response or echo be received from this unit 4.
If there is, e.g., a fault inside the customer's equipment, a short circuit in this equipment or a fault in the actual telephone apparatus belonging to the customer, the border reflex unit 4 will transmit a response to the network owner exchange 1 indicating line status.
In any case, the border reflex unit 4 will be capable of distinguishing between faults on the network user's side and those on the network owner's side of the interface 3. Thus, the border reflex unit 4 will in fact function as a border reflex.
Should a fault occur in the border reflex unit 4 itself, this unit is so constructed that it will not damage the connection between the network owner 1 and the network user 2. On actuation of the border reflex 4 there will still be voltage feed to the network user 2.
With the solution proposed according to the invention, only minor changes in the software in the network exchange will in fact be required. A further requirement is a hand-operated apparatus that can easily be connected to the line in the exchange or outside the exchange in the interface boxes and which can easily read status on the line.
In order to be able to monitor line status in a telecommunications network more efficiently, the line between the network owner exchange 1 and the network user 2 may pass via a number of distributors before the line ends in the interface 3 and ultimately with the network user 2. Thus, in Fig. 7 a main distributor (HF) 19 and an end distributor (EF) 20 are indicated. As in the interface unit 3, respective border reflex units may be mounted in the main distributor 19 and the end distributor 20, and additionally a border reflex unit (GR) may also be mounted at the network user's.
As disclosed in more detail in Fig. 8, the respective border reflex units in the main distributor 19, the end distributor 20, the interface 3 and on the premises of the network user 2 may be indicated by the reference numerals 21, 22, 4 and 23, respectively. The 8 different border reflex units 21, 22, 4 and 23 will each be given their respective identity number, e.g., 1 A, 2A, 1C and IB, for the border reflex units 21, 22, 4 and 23 respectively. As the network owner exchange 1 transmits enquiry signals to the respective border reflex units, these units will report back giving their identity number and status for that part of the telephone line they are capable of measuring. If the network owner finds that the fault is on the network owner's side of the interface 3, the network owner can easily reduce the fault search area considerably by transmitting different signal sequences on the line. This is a simple, speedy operation and thus a substantial cost-saving factor for the network owner 1. A somewhat more detailed circuit diagram than the block diagram in Fig. 4 is shown in Fig. 9. In the receiver unit there is a trigger detector circuit 8' which has a filter 8" and a start pulse detector 8'". The level generator 10 may have a component 10' for measuring, e.g., line voltage, and a component 10" for measuring line current. The border reflex unit may receive its power supply 24 from the telecommunications network as indicated by the reference numeral 24 or from a separate power supply 25 which may serve as a reserve power supply.

Claims

P a t e n t c l a i m s
1.
A method for defining and using an interface between the network owner side and the network user side in a telecommunications network, wherein the interface is a unit adapted to communicate with the network owner side and register any change of state on the network user side, characterised by
- transmitting a pre-defined test signal from a telephone exchange on the network owner side to at least one receiving border reflex unit in the interface unit between the network owner side and the network user side, and either sending a response signal from the border reflex unit back to the telephone exchange which is characteristic for the status of an intact telephone line as far as the border reflex unit, and any state of equipment therebeyond on the network user side, or not sending any response signal back from the border reflex unit if there is a fault on the line between the telephone exchange and the border reflex unit or in the border reflex unit itself; and
- establishing in the exchange an overview of the state of the telephone line as far as the border reflex unit based on received or non-received response signal.
2. A method as disclosed in claim 1, characterised in that the border reflex unit relays to the telephone exchange in the form of a status signal information about any anomalies on the network user side selected from the group consisting of: breaks in the line, short circuits, voltage, capacitance, resistance and technical faults in the telecommunications equipment on the premises of the network user.
3.
A method as disclosed in claim 1 or 2, characterised by using at least two interface units with associated border reflex units between the network owner side and the network user side in the telecommunications network.
4.
A method as disclosed in one or more of the preceding claims, characterised in that the test signal transmitted from the telephone exchange consists of a trigger signal and an identification signal related to a selected border reflex unit, the identification signal being designed to open the border reflex unit for retrieving and sending information therefrom back to the telephone exchange. 10
5.
A method as disclosed in claim 4, characterised in that the identification signal consists of at least two segments which each define a digit, letter, symbol or combination thereof.
6.
A method as disclosed in claim 5, characterised in that the segments of the trigger signal and identification signal each have a duration of 100 ms, and are separated from one another by a time interval of 200 ms.
7.
A method as disclosed in one or more of claims 4-6, characterised in that the trigger signal is selected from the group consisting of: 4 kHz signals, 12 kHz signals, 16 kHz signals FSK signals and overdecadic DTMF signals.
8.
A method as disclosed in one or more of claims 4-7, characterised in that the segments of the identification signal each contain a DTMF tone signal.
9.
A method as disclosed in claim 1 , characterised in that the interface unit containing the border reflex unit is part of a main distributor and/or an end distributor provided on the network owner side and/or at the last point on the network user's premises and relays to the telephone exchange in the form of a status signal information about any anomalies on the network user side selected from the group consisting of: breaks in the line, short circuits, voltage, capacitance, resistance and technical faults.
10.
A method as disclosed in claim 2 or 9, characterised in that prior to transmitting the status signal, the border reflex unit sends a border reflex unit identifying signal.
11.
A method as disclosed in claim 10, characterised in that the identification signal from the border reflex unit is identical to the identification signal transmitted from the telephone exchange to the same border reflex unit. 1 1
12.
An interface unit for use between the network owner side and the network user side in a telecommunications network, wherein the interface unit is adapted to communicate with the network owner side and register any change of status on the network user side, characterised in that the interface unit has a border reflex unit containing:
- equipment for voltage feed from the telephone exchange on the network owner side to the network user irrespective of the operative state of the border reflex unit;
- a signal receiver for receiving a test signal from the telephone exchange; - a line sensor for measuring the state of the line, such as voltage, current, ohmic resistance, noise or the like;
- a signal transmitter for either sending back to the telephone exchange a response signal containing information that is characteristic of the status or condition of an intact telephone line as far as the border reflex unit, and any state of equipment therebeyond on the network user side, or not sending an echo signal if there is a fault on the line between the telephone exchange and the border reflex unit or in the border reflex unit itself; and
- a control unit for controlling the signal receiver, the line sensor and the signal transmitter.
13.
An interface unit as disclosed in claim 12, characterised in that the border reflex unit is adapted to be actuated by a border reflex unit-specific identification signal included in the test signal.
14.
An interface unit as disclosed in claims 12 and 13, characterised in that the response signal of the border reflex unit contains the border reflex unit-specific identification signal and a status signal.
15.
An interface unit as disclosed in claim 12, characterised in that in the border reflex unit there is also a connection device for line electronics and/or test equipment.
16.
An interface as disclosed in claim 12, characterised in that the border reflex unit is adapted to relay to the telephone exchange a status signal which is characteristic of any 12 anomalies on the network user side selected from the group consisting of: breaks in the line, short circuits and technical faults in the telecommunications equipment on the network user's premises.
17.
An interface as disclosed in one or more of claims 12-16, characterised in that the border reflex unit is included in a main distributor or an end distributor in the telecommunications network and/or at the last point on the network user's premises.
PCT/NO1999/000070 1998-03-02 1999-03-02 A method and an interface for monitoring a connection in a telecommunications network WO1999045689A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU27499/99A AU2749999A (en) 1998-03-02 1999-03-02 A method and an interface for monitoring a connection in a telecommunications network

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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NO19980901 1998-03-02
NO980901A NO980901L (en) 1998-03-02 1998-03-02 Procedure for defining interfaces between the web owner and the web user page in a telecommunications network as well as interfaces for performing the procedure

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Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4513176A (en) * 1983-02-28 1985-04-23 Fostveit Edgar H Test apparatus for telephone equipment
US4937851A (en) * 1988-07-20 1990-06-26 Keptel, Inc. Loop status verification system
US5422929A (en) * 1991-11-13 1995-06-06 Txport, Inc. Telephone line repeater and method of testing same
US5444776A (en) * 1993-11-12 1995-08-22 Teltrend Inc. Bridge for a network interface unit
WO1996027973A1 (en) * 1995-03-03 1996-09-12 Pyronix Limited Telephone line integrity monitoring system
US5648966A (en) * 1994-09-21 1997-07-15 Nec Corporation Method of sending an alarm to a network management station when an unusual event occurs in a managed network station

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4513176A (en) * 1983-02-28 1985-04-23 Fostveit Edgar H Test apparatus for telephone equipment
US4937851A (en) * 1988-07-20 1990-06-26 Keptel, Inc. Loop status verification system
US5422929A (en) * 1991-11-13 1995-06-06 Txport, Inc. Telephone line repeater and method of testing same
US5444776A (en) * 1993-11-12 1995-08-22 Teltrend Inc. Bridge for a network interface unit
US5648966A (en) * 1994-09-21 1997-07-15 Nec Corporation Method of sending an alarm to a network management station when an unusual event occurs in a managed network station
WO1996027973A1 (en) * 1995-03-03 1996-09-12 Pyronix Limited Telephone line integrity monitoring system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NO980901L (en) 1999-09-03
NO980901D0 (en) 1998-03-02
AU2749999A (en) 1999-09-20

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