111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
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`US007835430B2 US007835430B2
`
`
`(12) United States Patent (12) United States Patent
`
`Krinsky et al. Krinsky et al.
`
`
`(10) Patent No.: (10) Patent No.:
`
`(45) Date of Patent: (45) Date of Patent:
`
`
`US 7,835,430 B2 US 7,835,430 B2
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`*Nov. 16,2010 *Nov. 16,2010
`
`
`(54) MULTICARRIER MODULATION (54) MULTICARRIER MODULATION
`
`MESSAGING FOR FREQUENCY DOMAIN MESSAGING FOR FREQUENCY DOMAIN
`
`RECEIVED IDLE CHANNEL NOISE RECEIVED IDLE CHANNEL NOISE
`
`INFORMATION INFORMATION
`
`
`
`(75) (75)
`
`
`Inventors: David M. Krinsky, Acton, MA (US); Inventors: David M. Krinsky, Acton, MA (US);
`
`Robert Edmund Pizzano, Jr., Robert Edmund Pizzano, Jr.,
`
`Stoneham, MA (US) Stoneham, MA (US)
`
`
`
`(73) Assignee: Aware, Inc., Bedford, MA (US) (73) Assignee: Aware, Inc., Bedford, MA (US)
`
`
`
`( *) Notice: ( *) Notice:
`
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35 patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`
`U.S.c. 154(b) by 0 days. U.S.c. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`
`(58) Field of Classification Search ....................... None (58) Field of Classification Search ....................... None
`
`See application file for complete search history. See application file for complete search history.
`
`
`
`(56) (56)
`
`
`
`References Cited References Cited
`
`
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
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`(Continued) (Continued)
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`
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`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
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`EP EP
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`0889615 0889615
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`111999 111999
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`(Continued) (Continued)
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`
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`OTHER PUBLICATIONS OTHER PUBLICATIONS
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`This patent is subject to a tenninal dis(cid:173)This patent is subject to a tenninal dis(cid:173)
`
`claimer. claimer.
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`Official Action for European Patent Application No. EP 06022008, Official Action for European Patent Application No. EP 06022008,
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`mailed Apr. 23, 2010. mailed Apr. 23, 2010.
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`(21) Appl. No.: 12/477,742 (21) Appl. No.: 12/477,742
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`(22) Filed: (22) Filed:
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`Jun. 3,2009 Jun. 3,2009
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`(65) (65)
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`
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`Prior Publication Data Prior Publication Data
`
`
`
`US 200910238254 Al US 200910238254 Al
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`
`
`Sep.24,2009 Sep.24,2009
`
`
`
`Related U.S. Application Data Related U.S. Application Data
`
`
`
`(60) (60)
`
`
`Continuation of application No. 10/619,691, filed on Continuation of application No. 10/619,691, filed on
`
`Jul. 16, 2003, now Pat. No. 7,570,686, which is a Jul. 16, 2003, now Pat. No. 7,570,686, which is a
`
`division of application No. 091755,173, filed on Jan. 8, division of application No. 091755,173, filed on Jan. 8,
`
`2001, now Pat. No. 6,658,052. 2001, now Pat. No. 6,658,052.
`
`
`
`(60) (60)
`
`
`Provisional application No. 60/224,308, filed on Aug. Provisional application No. 60/224,308, filed on Aug.
`
`10, 2000, provisional application No. 601174,865, 10, 2000, provisional application No. 601174,865,
`
`filed on Jan. 7, 2000. filed on Jan. 7, 2000.
`
`
`
`(51) (51)
`
`
`
`(52) (52)
`
`
`Int. Cl. Int. Cl.
`
`(2006.01) (2006.01)
`
`H04B 1/38 H04B 1/38
`
`(2006.01) (2006.01)
`
`H04L 12/26 H04L 12/26
`
`U.S. Cl. ....................................... 3751222; 370/252 U.S. Cl. ....................................... 3751222; 370/252
`
`
`
`(Continued) (Continued)
`
`
`Primary Examiner-Khanh C Tran Primary Examiner-Khanh C Tran
`
`(74 ) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Jason H. Vick; Sheridan Ross, (74 ) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Jason H. Vick; Sheridan Ross,
`
`P.c. P.c.
`
`
`
`(57) (57)
`
`
`
`ABSTRACT ABSTRACT
`
`
`Upon detection of a trigger, such as the exceeding of an error Upon detection of a trigger, such as the exceeding of an error
`
`threshold or the direction of a user, a diagnostic link system threshold or the direction of a user, a diagnostic link system
`
`enters a diagnostic information transmission mode. This enters a diagnostic information transmission mode. This
`
`diagnostic infonnation transmission mode allows for two diagnostic infonnation transmission mode allows for two
`
`modems to exchange diagnostic and/or test infonnation that modems to exchange diagnostic and/or test infonnation that
`
`may not otherwise be exchangeable during normal commu(cid:173)may not otherwise be exchangeable during normal commu(cid:173)
`
`nication. The diagnostic infonnation transmission mode is nication. The diagnostic infonnation transmission mode is
`
`initiated by transmitting an initiate diagnostic link mode mes(cid:173)initiated by transmitting an initiate diagnostic link mode mes(cid:173)
`
`sage to a receiving modem accompanied by a cyclic redun(cid:173)sage to a receiving modem accompanied by a cyclic redun(cid:173)
`
`dancy check (CRC). The receiving modem determines, based dancy check (CRC). The receiving modem determines, based
`
`on the CRC, if a robust communications channel is present. If on the CRC, if a robust communications channel is present. If
`
`a robust communications channel is present, the two modems a robust communications channel is present, the two modems
`
`can initiate exchange of the diagnostic and/or test infonna(cid:173)can initiate exchange of the diagnostic and/or test infonna(cid:173)
`
`tion. Otherwise, the transmission power of the transmitting tion. Otherwise, the transmission power of the transmitting
`
`modem is increased and the initiate diagnostic link mode modem is increased and the initiate diagnostic link mode
`
`message re-transmitted to the receiving modem until the CRC message re-transmitted to the receiving modem until the CRC
`
`is detennined to be correct. is detennined to be correct.
`
`
`
`6 Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets 6 Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`200 200
`
`
`
`300 300
`
`
`
`POTS·R POTS·R
`
`
`40 40
`
`,-------, ,-------,
`
`Phone Phone
`
`

`
`
`US 7,835,430 B2 US 7,835,430 B2
`
`Page 2 Page 2
`
`u.s. PATENT DOCUMENTS u.s. PATENT DOCUMENTS
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`1212003 Krinsky et al. 1212003 Krinsky et al.
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`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
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`2303032 2303032
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`GB GB
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`HEI6(1994 )-0039 56 HEI6(1994 )-0039 56
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`JP JP
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`JP A-HEIlO(1998)-JP A-HEIlO(1998)-
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`513622 513622
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`JP A-HEIll(1999)-JP A-HEIll(1999)-
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`508417 508417
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`261665 261665
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`JP A-HEIll(1999)-JP A-HEIll(1999)-
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`317723 317723
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`WO 99120027 WO 99120027
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`WO 99126375 WO 99126375
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`WO 99/63427 WO 99/63427
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`WO 99/67890 WO 99/67890
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`WO 00/64130 WO 00/64130
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`WO WO
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`WO WO
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`WO WO
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`Lewis L. et al. "Extending Trouble Ticket System to Fault Diagnos(cid:173)Lewis L. et al. "Extending Trouble Ticket System to Fault Diagnos(cid:173)
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`41653. 41653.
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`Notice of Acceptance for Australian Patent Application No. 276691 Notice of Acceptance for Australian Patent Application No. 276691
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`01, mailed Aug. 6, 2004. 01, mailed Aug. 6, 2004.
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`Examiner's First Report for Australian Patent Application No. Examiner's First Report for Australian Patent Application No.
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`2004203321, mailed Nov. 16,2006. 2004203321, mailed Nov. 16,2006.
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`Examiner's First Report for Australian Patent Application No. Examiner's First Report for Australian Patent Application No.
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`2008203520, mailed Mar. 9, 2009. 2008203520, mailed Mar. 9, 2009.
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`Notice of Acceptance for Australian Patent Application No. Notice of Acceptance for Australian Patent Application No.
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`Official Action for Canadian Patent Application No. 2,394,491, Official Action for Canadian Patent Application No. 2,394,491,
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`Official Action for European Patent Application No. 01901808.4, Official Action for European Patent Application No. 01901808.4,
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`mailed Dec. 1,2004. mailed Dec. 1,2004.
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`Official Action for European Patent Application No. 01901808.4, Official Action for European Patent Application No. 01901808.4,
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`Communication about intention to grant a European patent for Euro(cid:173)Communication about intention to grant a European patent for Euro(cid:173)
`
`pean Patent Application No. 01901808,4, mailed May 15, 2006. pean Patent Application No. 01901808,4, mailed May 15, 2006.
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`European Search Report for European Patent Application No. EP European Search Report for European Patent Application No. EP
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`06022008 completed Jan. 8, 2007. 06022008 completed Jan. 8, 2007.
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`Notification of Reasons (including translation) for Refusal for Japa(cid:173)Notification of Reasons (including translation) for Refusal for Japa(cid:173)
`
`nese Patent Application No. 2001-552611, Dispatched Date: Dec. 7, nese Patent Application No. 2001-552611, Dispatched Date: Dec. 7,
`
`2009. 2009.
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`Decision to Grant Patent (including translation) for Korean Patent Decision to Grant Patent (including translation) for Korean Patent
`
`Application No. 10-2002-7008794, dated Dec. 1,2006. Application No. 10-2002-7008794, dated Dec. 1,2006.
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`Official Action for European Patent Application No. EP 06022008, Official Action for European Patent Application No. EP 06022008,
`
`mailed Jul. 7, 2010. mailed Jul. 7, 2010.
`
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`
`mailed Aug. 2, 2010. mailed Aug. 2, 2010.
`
`Official Action for Japanese Patent Application No. 2008-191051, Official Action for Japanese Patent Application No. 2008-191051,
`
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`
`lTU -T g.992.1 "Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL)T rans(cid:173)lTU -T g.992.1 "Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL)T rans(cid:173)
`
`ceivers" Jun. 1999, p. 91-117,125,126,131,132. ceivers" Jun. 1999, p. 91-117,125,126,131,132.
`
`* cited by examiner * cited by examiner
`
`

`
`
`10 10
`;71
`;i/
`II Splitter
`I Splitter
`
`5
`5
`
`
`30 30
`;71
`;i/
`Splitter I
`Splitter I
`
`Central Office
`
`210
`210
`!II
`;II
`
`CRC CRC
`
`Checker Checker
`
`5
`
`'tv 50
`iO
`;11
`Distributed
`Network
`
`{
`
`l
`I
`
`,
`
`, ,
`
`200
`200
`!II
`.
`
`
`
`(ATU-C) (ATU-C)
`
`
`230 230
`!II
`;II
`
`Diagnostic Diagnostic
`Information
`Information
`
`Monitoring Monitoring
`Device
`Device
`
`I
`I
`
`
`POTS-C POTS-C
`!II
`jI!
`
`5
`5
`;II
`!II
`220
`220
`/II
`/II
`
`Diagnostic Diagnostic
`Device
`Device
`
`
`
`20 20
`
`r
`
`
`Phone Phone
`Switch
`Switch
`
`I
`
`I
`
`
`
`Fig. 1 Fig. 1
`
`Remote Terminal
`310
`310
`iii
`IV'
`Message
`Message
`Determination
`Determination
`Device
`Device
`
`300
`300
`/1/
`
`v
`
`
`
`(ATU-R) (ATU-R)
`
`
`330 330
`!II
`;71
`Diagnostic
`Diagnostic
`Device
`Device
`
`320
`320
`!II
`;71
`Power
`Power
`Control
`Control
`Device
`Device
`
`340
`340
`!II
`;II
`Diagnostic
`Diagnostic
`Information
`Information
`Storage
`Storage
`Deivce
`Deivce
`
`POTS-R
`POTS-R
`!II
`;II
`
`40
`40
`
`
`
`Phone Phone
`
`1-
`
`~
`7Jl .
`
`~
`~
`~
`
`~ = ~
`
`z o
`~ ....
`N o .... o
`
`~Cl\
`
`
`60 60
`/l/
`/l/
`
`User User
`Terminal
`Terminal
`
`('D
`('D
`
`rFJ =(cid:173)
`.....
`....
`o ....
`
`N
`
`d
`rJl
`-....l
`00
`W
`tit
`~
`
`W = = N
`
`

`
`
`
`u.s. Patent u.s. Patent
`
`
`
`Nov. 16,2010 Nov. 16,2010
`
`
`
`Sheet 2 of2 Sheet 2 of2
`
`
`
`US 7,835,430 B2 US 7,835,430 B2
`
`
`~ ~
`
`
`'------;,----" '------;,----"
`S 1 00 S 1 00
`
`
`
`> - - - - - - - - -Y e s > - - - - - - - - -Y e s
`
`
`
`? ?
`
`
`Select Select
`
`Diagnostic Diagnostic
`
`Mode Mode
`
`? ?
`
`
`S130 S130
`
`;71 ;71
`
`
`
`Fig. 2 Fig. 2
`
`
`
`> - - - - - 'Y e s , - - - - - . ! > - - - - - 'Y e s , - - - - - . !
`
`
`
`S170 S170
`
`
`Transmit Initiate Diagnostic Transmit Initiate Diagnostic
`
`,----~ ,----~
`
`Mode Message Mode Message
`
`
`~-----~ ~-----~
`
`Yes Yes
`
`
`S180 S180
`
`;71 ;71
`
`>---No >---No
`
`S200 S200
`
`
`
`? ?
`
`
`
`Si90 Si90
`
`
`Determine Diagnostic Determine Diagnostic
`
`Link Message Link Message
`
`
`Re-transmit Re-transmit
`
`? ?
`
`
`
`S140 S140
`
`
`Enter Normal Enter Normal
`
`Steady State Steady State
`
`Data Data
`
`Transmission Transmission
`
`
`
`Yes Yes
`
`
`
`S150 S150
`
`
`Error Error
`
`Threshold Threshold
`
`Exceeded Exceeded
`
`? ?
`
`
`
`S160 S160
`
`
`For Predetermined Number Of For Predetermined Number Of
`
`Iterations Iterations
`
`
`
`S220 S220
`
`
`Transmit Diagnostic Link Transmit Diagnostic Link
`
`Message With CRC Message With CRC
`
`
`
`S210 S210
`
`
`
`No No
`
`
`
`S240 S240
`
`
`CRC CRC
`
`Correct Correct
`
`? ?
`
`
`Increase Increase
`
`Transmission Transmission
`
`Power Power
`
`
`
`S250 S250
`
`
`
`Yes Yes
`
`

`
`
`
`US 7,835,430 B2 US 7,835,430 B2
`
`
`1 1
`
`MULTICARRIER MODULATION MULTICARRIER MODULATION
`
`MESSAGING FOR FREQUENCY DOMAIN MESSAGING FOR FREQUENCY DOMAIN
`
`RECEIVED IDLE CHANNEL NOISE RECEIVED IDLE CHANNEL NOISE
`
`INFORMATION INFORMATION
`
`
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`
`This invention relates to test and diagnostic information. In This invention relates to test and diagnostic information. In
`
`particular, this invention relates to a robust system and particular, this invention relates to a robust system and
`
`method for communicating diagnostic information. method for communicating diagnostic information.
`
`
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`
`The exchange of diagnostic and test information between The exchange of diagnostic and test information between
`
`transceivers in a telecommunications environment is an transceivers in a telecommunications environment is an
`
`important part of a telecommunications, such as an ADSL, important part of a telecommunications, such as an ADSL,
`
`deployment. In cases where the transceiver connection is not deployment. In cases where the transceiver connection is not
`
`performing as expected, for example, where the data rate is performing as expected, for example, where the data rate is
`
`low, where there are many bit errors, or the like, it is necessary low, where there are many bit errors, or the like, it is necessary
`
`to collect diagnostic and test information from the remote to collect diagnostic and test information from the remote
`
`transceiver. This is performed by dispatching a technician to transceiver. This is performed by dispatching a technician to
`
`the remote site, e.g., a truck roll, which is time consuming and the remote site, e.g., a truck roll, which is time consuming and
`
`expensive. expensive.
`
`In DSL technology, communications over a local sub(cid:173)In DSL technology, communications over a local sub(cid:173)
`
`scriber loop between a central office and a subscriber pre- 25 scriber loop between a central office and a subscriber pre- 25
`
`mises is accomplished by modulating the data to be transmit(cid:173)mises is accomplished by modulating the data to be transmit(cid:173)
`
`ted onto a multiplicity of discrete frequency carriers which ted onto a multiplicity of discrete frequency carriers which
`
`are snmmed together and then transmitted over the subscriber are snmmed together and then transmitted over the subscriber
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`loop. Individually, the carriers form discrete, non-overlap(cid:173)loop. Individually, the carriers form discrete, non-overlap(cid:173)
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`ping communication subchannels oflimited bandwidth. Col- 30 ping communication subchannels oflimited bandwidth. Col- 30
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`lectively, the carriers form what is effectively a broadband lectively, the carriers form what is effectively a broadband
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`communications channel. At the receiver end, the carriers are communications channel. At the receiver end, the carriers are
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`demodulated and the data recovered. demodulated and the data recovered.
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`DSL systems experience disturbances from other data ser(cid:173)DSL systems experience disturbances from other data ser(cid:173)
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`vices on adjacent phone lines, such as, for example, ADSL, 35 vices on adjacent phone lines, such as, for example, ADSL, 35
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`HDSL, ISDN, T1, or the like. These disturbances may com(cid:173)HDSL, ISDN, T1, or the like. These disturbances may com(cid:173)
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`mence after the subj ect ADSL service is already initiated and, mence after the subj ect ADSL service is already initiated and,
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`since DSL for internet access is envisioned as an always-on since DSL for internet access is envisioned as an always-on
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`service, the effect of these disturbances must be ameliorated service, the effect of these disturbances must be ameliorated
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`by the subject ADSL transceiver. by the subject ADSL transceiver.
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`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
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`The systems and methods of this invention are directed The systems and methods of this invention are directed
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`toward reliably exchanging diagnostic and test information toward reliably exchanging diagnostic and test information
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`between transceivers over a digital subscriber line in the between transceivers over a digital subscriber line in the
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`presence of voice communications and/or other disturbances. presence of voice communications and/or other disturbances.
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`For simplicity of reference, the systems and methods of the For simplicity of reference, the systems and methods of the
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`invention will hereafter refer to the transceivers generically as invention will hereafter refer to the transceivers generically as
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`modems. One such modem is typically located at a customer modems. One such modem is typically located at a customer
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`premises such as a home or business and is "downstream" premises such as a home or business and is "downstream"
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`from a central office with which it communicates. The other from a central office with which it communicates. The other
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`modem is typically located at the central office and is modem is typically located at the central office and is
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`"upstream" from the customer premises. Consistent with "upstream" from the customer premises. Consistent with
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`industry practice, the modems are often referred to as "ATU(cid:173)industry practice, the modems are often referred to as "ATU(cid:173)
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`R" ("ADSL transceiver unit, remote," i.e., located at the cus(cid:173)R" ("ADSL transceiver unit, remote," i.e., located at the cus(cid:173)
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`tomerpremises) and "ATU-C" ("ADSL transceiver unit, cen(cid:173)tomerpremises) and "ATU-C" ("ADSL transceiver unit, cen(cid:173)
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`tral office" i.e., located at the central office). Each modem tral office" i.e., located at the central office). Each modem
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`includes a transmitter section for transmitting data and a includes a transmitter section for transmitting data and a
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`receiver section for receiving data, and is of the discrete 60 receiver section for receiving data, and is of the discrete 60
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`multitone type, i.e., the modem transmits data over a multi(cid:173)multitone type, i.e., the modem transmits data over a multi(cid:173)
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`plicity of subchannels of limited bandwidth. Typically, the plicity of subchannels of limited bandwidth. Typically, the
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`upstream or ATU -C modem transmits data to the downstream upstream or ATU -C modem transmits data to the downstream
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`or ATU-R modem over a first set of subchannels, which are or ATU-R modem over a first set of subchannels, which are
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`usually the higher-frequency subchannels, and receives data 65 usually the higher-frequency subchannels, and receives data 65
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`from the downstream or ATU-R modem over a second, usu(cid:173)from the downstream or ATU-R modem over a second, usu(cid:173)
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`ally smaller, set of subchannels, commonly the lower-fre-ally smaller, set of subchannels, commonly the lower-fre-
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`2 2
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`quency subchannels. By establishing a diagnostic link mode quency subchannels. By establishing a diagnostic link mode
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`between the two modems, the systems and methods of this between the two modems, the systems and methods of this
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`invention are able to exchange diagnostic and test informa(cid:173)invention are able to exchange diagnostic and test informa(cid:173)
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`tion in a simple and robust manner. tion in a simple and robust manner.
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`In the diagnostic link mode, the diagnostic and test infor(cid:173)In the diagnostic link mode, the diagnostic and test infor(cid:173)
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`mation is communicated using a signaling mechanism that mation is communicated using a signaling mechanism that
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`has a very high immunity to noise and/or other disturbances has a very high immunity to noise and/or other disturbances
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`and can therefore operate effectively even in the case where and can therefore operate effectively even in the case where
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`the modems could not actually establish an acceptable con-the modems could not actually establish an acceptable con-
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`10 nection in their normal operational mode. 10 nection in their normal operational mode.
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`For example, if the ATU-C and/or ATU-R modem fail to For example, if the ATU-C and/or ATU-R modem fail to
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`complete an initialization sequence, and are thus unable to complete an initialization sequence, and are thus unable to
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`enter a normal steady state communications mode, where the enter a normal steady state communications mode, where the
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`diagnostic and diagnostic and
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`test test
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`information would normally be information would normally be
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`15 exchanged, the modems according to the systems and meth(cid:173)15 exchanged, the modems according to the systems and meth(cid:173)
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`ods of this invention enter a robust diagnostic link mode. ods of this invention enter a robust diagnostic link mode.
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`Alternatively, the diagnostic link mode can be entered auto(cid:173)Alternatively, the diagnostic link mode can be entered auto(cid:173)
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`matically or manually, for example, at the direction of a user. matically or manually, for example, at the direction of a user.
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`In the robust diagnostic link mode, the modems exchange the In the robust diagnostic link mode, the modems exchange the
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`20 diagnostic and test information that is, for example, used by a 20 diagnostic and test information that is, for example, used by a
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`technician to determine the cause of a failure without the technician to determine the cause of a failure without the
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`technician having to physically visit, i.e., a truckroll to, the technician having to physically visit, i.e., a truckroll to, the
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`remote site to collect data. remote site to collect data.
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`The diagnostic and test information can include, for The diagnostic and test information can include, for
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`example, but is not limited to, signal to noise ratio informa(cid:173)example, but is not limited to, signal to noise ratio informa(cid:173)
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`tion, equalizer information, programmable gain setting infor(cid:173)tion, equalizer information, programmable gain setting infor(cid:173)
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`mation, bit allocation information, transmitted and received mation, bit allocation information, transmitted and received
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`power information, margin information, status and rate infor-power information, margin information, status and rate infor-
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`mation, telephone line condition information, such as the mation, telephone line condition information, such as the
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`length of the line, the number and location of bridged taps, a length of the line, the number and location of bridged taps, a
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`wire gauge, or the like, or any other known or later developed wire gauge, or the like, or any other known or later developed
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`diagnostic or test information that may be appropriate for the diagnostic or test information that may be appropriate for the
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`particular communications environment. For example, the particular communications environment. For example, the
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`exchanged diagnostic and test information can be directed exchanged diagnostic and test information can be directed
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`toward specific limitations of the modems, to information toward specific limitations of the modems, to information
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`relating to the modem installation and deployment environ(cid:173)relating to the modem installation and deployment environ(cid:173)
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`ment, or to other diagnostic and test information that can, for ment, or to other diagnostic and test information that can, for
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`example, be determined as needed which may aid in evaluat(cid:173)example, be determined as needed which may aid in evaluat(cid:173)
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`ing the cause of a specific failure or problem. Alternatively, ing the cause of a specific failure or problem. Alternatively,
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`40 the diagnostic and test information can include the loop 40 the diagnostic and test information can include the loop
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`length and bridged tap length estimations as discussed in length and bridged tap length estimations as discussed in
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`copending, filed herewith and incorporated herein by refer(cid:173)copending, filed herewith and incorporated herein by refer(cid:173)
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`ence in its entirety. ence in its entirety.
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`For example, an exemplary embodiment of the invention For example, an exemplary embodiment of the invention
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`45 illustrates the use of the diagnostic link mode in the commu(cid:173)45 illustrates the use of the diagnostic link mode in the commu(cid:173)
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`nication of diagnostic information from the remote terminal nication of diagnostic information from the remote terminal
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`(RT) transceiver, e.g.,ATU-R, to the central office (CO) trans(cid:173)(RT) transceiver, e.g.,ATU-R, to the central office (CO) trans(cid:173)
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`ceiver, e.g., ATU-C. Transmission of information from the ceiver, e.g., ATU-C. Transmission of information from the
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`remote terminal to the central office is important since a remote terminal to the central office is important since a
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`50 typical ADSL service provider is located in the central office 50 typical ADSL service provider is located in the central office
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`and would therefore benefit from the ability to determine and would therefore benefit from the ability to determine
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`problems at the remote terminal without a truckroll. However, problems at the remote terminal without a truckroll. However,
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`it is to be appreciated, that the systems and the methods of this it is to be appreciated, that the systems and the methods of this
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`invention will work equally well in communications from the invention will work equally well in communications from the
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`55 central office to the remote terminal. 55 central office to the remote terminal.
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`These and other features and advantages of this invention These and other features and advantages of this invention
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`are described in or are apparent from the following detailed are described in or are apparent from the following detailed
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`description of the embodiments. description of the embodiments.
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`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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`The embodiments of the invention will be described in The embodiments of the invention will be described in
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`detail, with reference to the following figures wherein: detail, with reference to the following figures wherein:
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`FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an exem(cid:173)FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram illustrating an exem(cid:173)
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`plary communications system according to this invention; plary communications system according to this invention;
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`and and
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`

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`US 7,835,430 B2 US 7,835,430 B2
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`3 3
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`FIG. 2 is a flowchart outlining an exemplary method for FIG. 2 is a flowchart outlining an exemplary method for
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`communicating diagnostic and test infonnation according to communicating diagnostic and test infonnation according to
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`this invention. this invention.
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`
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`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
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`For ease of illustration the following description will be For ease of illustration the following description will be
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`described in relation to the CO receiving diagnostic and test described in relation to the CO receiving diagnostic and test
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`information from the RT. In the exemplary embodiment, the information from the RT. In the exemplary embodiment, the
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`systems and methods of this invention complete a portion of 10 systems and methods of this invention complete a portion of 10
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`the nonnal modem initialization before entering into the diag(cid:173)the nonnal modem initialization before entering into the diag(cid:173)
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`nostic link mode. The systems and methods of this invention nostic link mode. The systems and methods of this invention
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`can enter the diagnostic link mode manually, for example, at can enter the diagnostic link mode manually, for example, at
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`the direction of a technician or a user after completing a the direction of a technician or a user after completing a
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`portion of initialization. Alternatively, the systems and meth- 15 portion of initialization. Alternatively, the systems and meth- 15
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`ods of this invention can enter the diagnostic link mode auto(cid:173)ods of this invention can enter the diagnostic link mode auto(cid:173)
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`matically based on, for example, a bit rate failure, a forward matically based on, for example, a bit rate failure, a forward
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`error correction or a CRC error during showtime, e.g., the error correction or a CRC error during showtime, e.g., the
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`nonnal steady state transmission mode, or the like. The tran(cid:173)nonnal steady state transmission mode, or the like. The tran(cid:173)
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`sition into the diagnostic link mode is accomplished by trans- 20 sition into the diagnostic link mode is accomplished by trans- 2