WO1999011015A1 - Method of locating a fault - Google Patents
Method of locating a fault Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1999011015A1 WO1999011015A1 PCT/NZ1998/000126 NZ9800126W WO9911015A1 WO 1999011015 A1 WO1999011015 A1 WO 1999011015A1 NZ 9800126 W NZ9800126 W NZ 9800126W WO 9911015 A1 WO9911015 A1 WO 9911015A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- computer
- remote computer
- fault
- software
- user
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L43/00—Arrangements for monitoring or testing data switching networks
- H04L43/50—Testing arrangements
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L1/00—Arrangements for detecting or preventing errors in the information received
- H04L1/24—Testing correct operation
Definitions
- This invention relates to a new method of locating a fault in a communication network. Specifically the present invention may be applied to locate a fault in a computer, computer modem and the telecommunication network it is connected to.
- Computer communication can be hampered by the presence of electromagnetic noise on a telecommunications line, or the existence of a fault in a computer user's modem or computer. Of these two problems, electrical noise on a transmission line is the hardest to deal with. Due to its random nature it cannot be predicted or compensated for and the user of a computer has no way of fixing a problem associated with the telecommunication network used.
- Electromagnetic noise on a telecommunications line may result in: low data transfer rates between the two communicating computers, or low connection speed between the two computers as they try to make contact with each other, or - erratic connection and disconnection occurring between the two computers.
- Loose electrical connections or sometimes electric fence lines close to the telecommunications line may cause these types of noise problems.
- Loose connections in the telecommunication network are again a difficult problem for a computer user to diagnose and solve. In the first instance most computer users would not have the required expertise to inspect and repair their own telephone lines, and m the second instance the telecommunication network provider would not sanction such interference with their network.
- a fax test system whereby a user sends a fax to a central number. Some minutes later a fax is sent back with the fax performance details and recommendations.
- the problem with this system is that there is no testing of data links, no bidirectional testing and no user specifiable tests.
- a further problem with this system is that there is a delay of some minutes and a requirement for two calls before the data is obtained.
- a point to point modem tester is known that calls one modem to another and then puts data over the connection to detect data transfer rates over a period of time. However this does not provide the cause or type of errors, varying data patterns, data direction test or other information necessary to determine reasons for data transfer errors.
- a modem connection detail display shows details of a previous call through the modem. But, applies no tests and is provided after the call, not during it.
- a computer user may test the computer modem by dialing to a number of commercial internet sites. Again, this does not provide the degree of testing required to approximate the location of faults causing data transfer errors.
- a device or system that solved any or all of the problems listed above would be of great advantage over prior art.
- an invention which could identify whether data transfer errors are caused by a computer, modem or the telecommunication network it is connected to would be of great advantage over the prior art.
- a method of determining the location of a fault in a communication network said network including a remote computer and associated modem, a user computer and associated modem, and a telecommunications line,
- the remote computer recording performance data relating to the performance of the communication network based on said measurement or measurements.
- a method of determining the location of a fault in a communication network said network including a remote computer and modem, a user computer and modem, and a telecommunications line,
- control means capable of generating control signals to be transmitted to the user computer
- a performance recording means capable of recording data indicative of the performance of the communication network
- a processing means capable of generating a report that indicates the probable location of a fault in a communication network.
- the signal transmitted by the communication code is in a format that can be used to determine the location of a fault in a communication network.
- a fault may be defined as any type of condition or occurrence that causes errors in the transmission of data between two or more computers.
- a fault may include an error in the operation of a computer, computer modem, or a loose connection, short or other noise source present on a telecommunications line.
- the present invention may be said to determine whether a fault is located in a telecommunications line, or in the operation of a computer or computer modem.
- the communication network may include a user computer and modem, a remote computer and its modem and a telecommunications line. This communication network allows the transmission of electrical data signals over long distances and over short periods of time.
- the user computer may be any type of computer or processor which can be used to communicate with any other type of computer or processor.
- the present invention will be used in most instances by households with personal computers or businesses with computer networks or a number of personal computers and workstations.
- a user computer is linked to a user computer modem.
- This modem may be used by the user's computer to contact any number of other computers linked into the telecommunication network.
- a user's computer consists of any type of processor or computer which includes software allowing the user computer to perform substantially as described above.
- the remote computer may be any type of computer or processor that is capable of communicating with any other type of computer or processor via a modem connected to it.
- the remote computer consists of a computer system which includes specific software to allow it to perform substantially as described above.
- the telecommunications line consists of a telephone line.
- Telephone lines may be easily and cheaply accessed by most computer users, but because of their physical nature are susceptible to bad wiring connections or short circuits.
- telephone lines may in certain circumstances act as large aerials that can easily pick up electromagnetic noise signals. Both these factors contribute to telephone lines being prone to electrical noise that can degrade the connection between two or more computers.
- Alternative embodiments of the present invention may not employ a telephone line as the telecommunications line used.
- other telecommunications lines used may be cellular telephone connections, cable, radiotelephone connections, or radio frequency transmissions.
- telecommunications line as being a telephone line. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other types of telecommunications lines can be used in conjunction with the present invention, and reference to telephone lines only should in no way be seen as limiting.
- the user computer may contact the remote computer via the user and remote modems and the telephone line.
- This connection scheme ensures that all portions of the communication network that may include a fault are tested. The performance of the telephone line, the computers and computer modems may then be tested to determine if and where a fault has occurred.
- the remote computer may transmit a control signal to the user computer.
- a control signal may instruct software present in the user computer to perform any number of functions or test procedures.
- the control signal transmitted may request that the user computer send a block of data of a specific size at a specific speed, and of a specific format.
- the remote computer may include software which may generate a control signal as described.
- the user computer includes software which allows it to receive and action control signals transmitted by the remote computer.
- This software may be configured to include communications code which allows the user computer to receive and action control signals transmitted from the remote computer.
- the communications code may allow the user's computer to prepare and transmit signals back to the remote computer as requested by its control signals.
- the remote computer includes software which may record performance data relating to any signals transmitted from the user computer. Such performance data may be recorded when the user computer makes a transmission requested by a control signal.
- the remote computer includes software which may produce performance data from measurements and tests performed at the remote end.
- the remote computer may include software which incorporates a performance recording means to allow performance data to be recorded by the remote computer.
- the performance data recorded may consist of a number of measured parameters that show how the computers, modems and telephone line performed.
- performance data may also include configuration data and information about the user, and the communication network.
- some of the parameters measured may include, transmit and receive level, signal to noise ratio and transmit and receive carrier frequency.
- transmit and receive level may include, transmit and receive level, signal to noise ratio and transmit and receive carrier frequency.
- the remote computer may include software that incorporates a processing means.
- a processing means may process the performance data recorded by the remote computer into performance information.
- performance information may consist of a report which outlines if a fault exists on the communication network, and if so the probable location and type of the fault.
- the probable location of a fault may be determined to be either in the remote computer, user computer, remote computer modem, user computer modem, or in the telephone line it is connected to.
- such a processing means may include a rule database.
- This database may take the measured parameter data from the remote computer and apply a series of rules to each measurement to determine if and where a fault in the communication network has occurred.
- the operator of the user computer may select what type and the number of tests to be performed on the communication network. In this way the operator of a user computer selects which tests they would prefer to be performed by the remote computer. This allows the operator of the user computer a greater degree of flexibility with regard to testing their computer, modem and telephone line, as they may already be aware of existing problems in the computer or modem, or know that the computer or modem is working correctly.
- the first step of this method is initiated by a computer user running the appropriate software on their computer.
- This software will ask the user details on usage, equipment and user information, if they wish to control which tests are run, and if so they are asked to specify which tests they would prefer to be performed (ie. speed tests, noise or signal level variation tests).
- the user computer's software will then make contact with a remote computer using the user computer's modem.
- the remote computer will next determine which tests are to be performed, and also what other information is required from the user computer.
- the remote computer will send a request for additional information to the user's computer if required at this stage.
- the remote computer will transmit a series of control signals to the user computer, ordering it to perform a number of operations as well as performing its own measurements and tests.
- the user computer will then carry out any instructions received and the remote computer will record data relating to transmissions sent by the user computer, and the results of the remote computer's measurements and tests.
- the remote computer will analyse the performance data obtained and prepare and transmit a report to the user computer.
- This report will display the remote computer's results, conclusions and recommendations. In some instances a service centre or product vendor may also be recommended in the report transmitted.
- the remote computer may transmit portions of its report to the user computer as testing is taking place.
- the remote computer may also keep a record of data or information collated, recorded or processed, allowing the remote computer's operator to assess the results of the remote computer over time.
- the present invention provides many advantages over the existing prior art.
- the present invention allows the existence and location of a fault to be detected in a communication network. Previously, a computer operator could only get an indepth check to see if their computer or modem was functioning correctly by taking it into a service centre. In addition, they had no way of determining if a problem existed on their telephone line.
- the results requested by the operator of a computer may be obtained with one phone call.
- the test procedures can be completed easily and quickly giving the computer's operator an answer on the spot.
- the present invention is specifically adapted to test computers, computer modems and the telephone lines they are connected to.
- Dedicated software is required at either end of the telecommunication line that performs tests specific to computers and computer modems. These tests are also designed to detect faults in the telecommunication line that the communication network uses.
- Table 1 illustrates a number of parameters and measurements the remote computer may make and review if required in one embodiment of the present invention
- Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of the communication network's components as configured in another embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 2 illustrates a flow chart of actions taken in a further embodiment of the present invention.
- Table 1 displays a number of parameters and measurements that may be made in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Any or all of these parameters and measurements may be assessed if required to determine the location of a fault on a communication network.
- Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of the communication network's components.
- the communication network 1 includes a user computer 2, a user computer modem 3, a telecommunication line shown as a telephone line 4, a remote computer's modem 5 and a remote computer 6.
- the user computer 2 and its modem 3 are connected together so that the user computer 2 may transmit signals along the telephone line 4 to the remote computer modem 5 and hence the remote computer 6.
- the same connections may also be used to allow the remote computer 6 to transmit signals to the user computer 2.
- Figure 2 illustrates a flow chart showing the number of steps taken to determine the location of a fault as in one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 shows ten individual steps in the present inventions operation, with each of the steps being discussed in detail below.
- Step 1 A user computer operator may determine which tests are to be performed and requests that these tests are performed, and enters user information.
- Step 2 The user computer contacts the remote computer.
- Step 3 The remote computer answers the user computer and establishes a communications link, starts testing, and receives the user computer's requests for the selected tests.
- Step 4 The remote computer requests any additional information it requires from the user computer to conduct the tests it determines need to be performed.
- Step 5 The remote computer performs tests by transmitting a number of control signals to the user computer and recording any results received from the user computer, and by performing its own measurements and tests and recording these results.
- Step 6 The user computer actions any control signals received from the remote computer.
- Step 7 The remote computer analyses the performance data recorded in Step 5.
- Step 8 The remote computer prepares a report including the results and recommendations it has prepared.
- Step 9 The remote computer transmits its report to the user computer then disconnects the connection between the two computers, and then the collected results and data are stored.
- Step 10 The report is displayed on the user computer.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Maintenance And Management Of Digital Transmission (AREA)
- Telephonic Communication Services (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU90099/98A AU9009998A (en) | 1997-08-26 | 1998-08-24 | Method of locating a fault |
NZ503467A NZ503467A (en) | 1997-08-26 | 1998-08-24 | Method of locating a fault whereby in response to instructions from a user computer a remote computer tests for faults and measures performance data of the communications network consisting of the user computer, remote computer, modems and telecommunications line |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NZ328605 | 1997-08-26 | ||
NZ32860597 | 1997-08-26 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO1999011015A1 true WO1999011015A1 (en) | 1999-03-04 |
Family
ID=19926414
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/NZ1998/000126 WO1999011015A1 (en) | 1997-08-26 | 1998-08-24 | Method of locating a fault |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
AU (1) | AU9009998A (en) |
WO (1) | WO1999011015A1 (en) |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO1993003561A1 (en) * | 1991-07-26 | 1993-02-18 | General Datacomm, Inc. | Apparatus and method for controlling transmitted power of a modem |
WO1997015009A1 (en) * | 1995-10-18 | 1997-04-24 | Systemsoft Corporation | System and method for digital data processor diagnostics |
-
1998
- 1998-08-24 WO PCT/NZ1998/000126 patent/WO1999011015A1/en active Application Filing
- 1998-08-24 AU AU90099/98A patent/AU9009998A/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO1993003561A1 (en) * | 1991-07-26 | 1993-02-18 | General Datacomm, Inc. | Apparatus and method for controlling transmitted power of a modem |
WO1997015009A1 (en) * | 1995-10-18 | 1997-04-24 | Systemsoft Corporation | System and method for digital data processor diagnostics |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU9009998A (en) | 1999-03-16 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6895081B1 (en) | Predicting performance of telephone lines for data services | |
US7996004B2 (en) | Wireless communication system and test method thereof, and access terminal for testing wireless communication system | |
US4663775A (en) | Method and apparatus for testing remote communication systems | |
EP1808000B1 (en) | Method for testing dsl capability of telephone lines | |
CN103250404B (en) | For determining diagnostic engine and the using method thereof of the overall line characteristic of DSL telecommunication line | |
JPH11127109A (en) | Field test method and device for portable telephone set | |
US7436935B2 (en) | Qualifying telephone lines for data transmission | |
US6373923B1 (en) | Line testing method and apparatus therefor | |
KR20130014059A (en) | Impairments identification module and method | |
US7558212B2 (en) | System and method for fault identification | |
US6894504B2 (en) | Technique for estimation of a subscriber line insertion loss | |
US7529347B2 (en) | Test system for assessing DSL capability of telephone lines | |
EP2328333B1 (en) | Method for assessing dsl capability of telephone lines | |
US20030021391A1 (en) | Method and apparatus for determining distance qualification and electrical qualification of a telephone line for high speed communications | |
US6828906B2 (en) | Device for responding to state request on an open phone line | |
TW201929491A (en) | Broadband subscriber lines malfunction testing system | |
WO1999011015A1 (en) | Method of locating a fault | |
CN103858415A (en) | Diagnostic engine | |
NZ503467A (en) | Method of locating a fault whereby in response to instructions from a user computer a remote computer tests for faults and measures performance data of the communications network consisting of the user computer, remote computer, modems and telecommunications line | |
KR100580106B1 (en) | Method for testing leased line remote using circuit access function of dcs | |
EP0926841A2 (en) | Method of and apparatus for testing a telecommunications link | |
KR100201817B1 (en) | Subscriber circuit test device of remote safty management system | |
KR20020032700A (en) | Apparatus and method for measurement failure location of subscriber line using time domain reflectometry | |
EP1699171A1 (en) | Test system and test method for broadband telecommunications | |
KR960011134B1 (en) | Subscriber line test method in the isdn switching system |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AK | Designated states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY CA CH CN CU CZ DE DK EE ES FI GB GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MD MG MK MN MW MX NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT UA UG US UZ VN YU ZW |
|
AL | Designated countries for regional patents |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GW ML MR NE SN TD TG |
|
DFPE | Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101) | ||
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: KR |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 503467 Country of ref document: NZ |
|
REG | Reference to national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: 8642 |
|
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: CA |