Fault management system to preempt line faults in communications networks

摘要

A method of operating a fault management system for an access network which forms part of a communications network. In the access network, terminating lines in the form of pairs of wires extend from a local switch (10) through a series of nodes to terminal equipment provided for user of the network. Each night, system performs a series of tests on each of the lines. The results of the tests then analysed with respect of a set of parameters to identify characteristics that would indicate that a fault is likely to occur on the associated circuit within a predetermined period e.g. 1 year. Further analysis is then be carried out to establish a score which ranks each node in the network in terms of the urgency of any preventive maintenance required. <IMAGE>