Systems, methods, and devices for testing communication lines

摘要

The invention generally relates to systems, devices, and methods for testing communication lines. In certain aspects, the invention provides systems and devices that include a digital/analog converter configured to operate with a computer processor and memory to send or receive an analog signal over a communication line that includes a plurality of signals having known frequencies. Inbound receiving sub-systems or devices sample the analog signal and measure a quality of the sampled, digital signal to evaluate the communication line. The key differentiator is the recognition that the human mouth and ear are intrinsically analog without encryption. By locating the test device as close to the user as possible, this system incorporates testing of complex communication streams including numerous variables and transforms (e.g. encryption, Analog to digital, Voice over IP, packet switching, ATM, SONET). Ultimately, it provides a simple interface to convert qualitative analysis to quantitative (numerical) analysis.

主权项

1. A system for testing a communication line, comprising:
a jack for connection to the communication line; a sampler coupled to the jack; a processor in communication with the sampler; and a non-transitory memory coupled to the processor; wherein the system is connected via the communication line to a second system substantially similar to the system; wherein each system is operable to perform a predefined inbound test and a predefined outbound test; wherein the predefined inbound test comprises:
receiving a plurality of known frequencies sent sequentially by the other system;sampling the plurality of known frequencies in sequence as they arrive to generate a sampled version of the plurality of known frequencies;storing the sampled version of the plurality of known frequencies in the nontransitory memory; andmeasuring a quality of the sampled version of the plurality of known frequencies; and wherein the predefined outbound test comprises sending the plurality of known frequencies through the communication line one after another.