Patent ID: 6252941
Filing Date: 2001-06-26
Classification: H01R,H04M

Abstract:
An interface between a first communications network and a second communications network comprising:a plurality of communication wires of said first network;a plurality of communication wires of said second network;a connector array comprising a plurality of connectors for connecting communication wires of said first network to communication wires of said second network whereby communication can be established between individual communication wires of said first and second networks;a network interface device comprising;a jack adapted to accept a plug of a type used in connection with said second network for coupling a communications device to said second network, said jack including an electrical contact;an electrically conductive screw terminal electrically coupled to said jack; andwhereby the integrity of said first network with respect to any particular communication wire of said first network can be tested by coupling a communications device into said jack and coupling said screw terminal to a connector in said connector array corresponding to said particular communication wire, thus bypassing said second network.