The method includes obtaining a loop length of a terminal section of the communication line; determining whether there is an impairment in the communication line; if no impairment, classifying the communication line into the first group; if impairment is determined, perform obtaining a location of the impairment in the communication line; determining whether the impairment is located in the terminal section of the communication line based on the loop length; if so, classifying the communication line into a second group; else, classifying the communication line into the first group; wherein, in the first group, it is qualified for an new broadband communication service, and if in the second group, it is not qualified, and wherein, the new broadband communication service is to be deployed over the terminal section of the communication line.

A fault in a telecommunication line can be identified and located using line test data for that telecommunication line. A series of line tests can be performed on a selected telecommunication line experiencing problems. The results from the series of line tests can be analyzed to identify differences in the results between the line tests. The identified differences can then be used to determine if a fluctuation is present in the telecommunication line. If a fluctuation is determined to be present in the telecommunication line, the identified differences can also be used to determine a location of the fluctuation relative to reference location such as the distribution point where the telecommunication line originates.

A fault in a telecommunication line can be identified and located using line test data for that telecommunication line. A series of line tests can be performed on a selected telecommunication line experiencing problems. The results from the series of line tests can be analyzed to identify differences in the results between the line tests. The identified differences can then be used to determine if a fluctuation is present in the telecommunication line. If a fluctuation is determined to be present in the telecommunication line, the identified differences can also be used to determine a location of the fluctuation relative to reference location such as the distribution point where the telecommunication line originates.

A method is provided accessing a device of a fixed line system comprising: (i) determining at least one measurement result by a measurement function of the device; (ii) comparing the at least one measurement result with at least one predefined value; (iii) conducting a predefined operation if the comparison indicates that the at least one measurement result corresponds to the at least one predefined value; (iv) determining the at least one measurement result by the measurement function, wherein the measurement function is connected or connectable via a connection to a signature function of an access system; (v) wherein the signature function comprises a circuitry that affects parameters measured by the measurement function of the device. Also, a method for access the device via an access system, the device, the access system and a computer program product as well as a computer-readable medium are suggested.

Automatic testing/analysis of local loops of telecommunications networks includes obtaining bits-per-tone data for a local loop of a telecommunications network and generating a bit value string from the bits-per-tone data. The bit value string is then analyzed to determine whether it includes a bit pattern indicative of an impairment of the local loop. Further approaches for automatically testing local loops of telecommunications networks include obtaining attenuation data for multiple tones carried by the local loop and determining whether the attenuation data falls below thresholds for providing a service using the local loop.

Automatic testing/analysis of local loops of telecommunications networks includes obtaining bits-per-tone data for a local loop of a telecommunications network and generating a bit value string from the bits-per-tone data. The bit value string is then analyzed to determine whether it includes a bit pattern indicative of an impairment of the local loop. Further approaches for automatically testing local loops of telecommunications networks include obtaining attenuation data for multiple tones carried by the local loop and determining whether the attenuation data falls below thresholds for providing a service using the local loop.

The present disclosure provides a method of measuring the effectiveness of an intervention in a hybrid fiber-metal access network. The effectiveness measure is determined in accordance with the improvement in the attenuation and the maximum achievable data rate. The effectiveness measure is used to determine whether a further network intervention is required.

An access network includes a twisted metallic pair connection over which data may be transmitted in accordance with a digital subscriber line protocol of transmission. The access network further includes an access network modem connected to the twisted metallic pair connection which is operable to transmit and receive signals thereover, in accordance with a digital subscriber line protocol of transmission. The access network further comprises a broadband speed estimation tool including a web server and/or an order processing sub-system 1120 and a line length, further deployment factors and speed determiner module 1170. The access network further comprises a line management subsystem which determines an appropriate value for each of one or more configuration parameters associated with the operation of the access network modem in dependence upon an estimated data rate and causes the access network modem to operate in accordance with the determined value or values of the configuration parameters.

A network distribution, point (1) for operation as a node in a telecommunications system intermediate between a remote access server (41) and a plurality of individual termination points (1) served from the remote access server (41) by respective digital subscriber loops (30), in particular at an optical fibre/copper wire interface (17), incorporates a dynamic line management system (18) for processing data relating to the capabilities of each of the digital subscriber loops (30), and generating a pro file of each digital subscriber loop (30) for transmission to the remote access server (49) to allow control of the transmission of data to the individual termination points.

Tools and techniques are described to automate line testing when wiring devices (such as equipment and sensors) to controllers. Controllers have access to databases of the devices that are controlled by them, including wiring diagrams and protocols, such that the controller can automatically check that each wire responds correctly to stimulus from the controller. After testing, a reporting device rapidly shows the results of the line testing.