DSL system estimation including known DSL line scanning and bad splice detection capability

摘要

Estimates of a communication system configuration, such as a DSL system, are based on operational data collected from a network element management system, protocol, users and/or the like. The operational data collected from the system can include performance-characterizing operational data that typically is available in an ADSL system via element-management-system protocols. Generated estimates and/or approximations can be used in evaluating system performance and directly or indirectly dictating/requiring changes or recommending improvements in operation by transmitters and/or other parts of the communication system. Data and/or other information may be collected using “internal” means or may be obtained from system elements and components via email and/or other “external” means. The likelihood of a model's accuracy can be based on various data, information and/or indicators of system performance, such as observed normal operational data, test data and/or prompted operational data that shows operating performance based on stimulation signals. One example of such prompted data uses frequency carrier masks to approximate the Hlog of a given channel, including information regarding bridged taps, attenuation, etc. Scanning, wherein a number of line profiles are used in connection with DSL loops having known configurations, can be used to generate a database or library of loop configuration information. One or more of the line profiles can be used with an unknown DSL loop to generate operational data from the unknown DSL loop that is compared to the loop configuration information in the database, allowing identification of loop configuration information pertaining to the unknown DSL loop. The unknown DSL loop operational data also can be used to determine whether one or more bad splices are present on the unknown DSL loop and, in some cases, the approximate or exact bad splice(s) location(s).