Patent ID: 6081509
Filing Date: 2000-06-27
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
An apparatus for testing a component of a communication system, comprising:(a) an actual network interface unit (NIU), configured to transmit and receive signals to and from the component; and(b) a computer configured to transmit and receive signals to and from the actual NIU and programmed to simulate operations of a plurality of virtual NIUs, wherein:the actual NIU is configured to receive downstream signals from the component intended for the virtual NIUs;the actual NIU and the computer are configured to process the downstream signals for the virtual NIUs;the actual NIU and the computer are configured to generate upstream signals from the virtual NIUs; andthe actual NIU is configured to transmit the upstream signals from the virtual NIUs to the component, wherein, from the perspective of the component, the component appears to be communicating with a plurality of actual NIUs.