Patent ID: 7471637
Filing Date: 2008-12-30
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
1. A method for monitoring a network, comprising: providing a path selector operable to select between a first input and a second input of the path selector, the first input of the path selector coupled to a customer premises equipment interface operable to receive signals from customer premises equipment and to communicate the received signals to the first input of the path selector, the second input of the path selector coupled to a test signal generator operable to generate test signals and to communicate the test signals to the second input of the path selector; determining whether operating customer premises equipment is coupled to an input of the customer premises equipment interface that is coupled to the first input of the path selector; if operating customer premises equipment is not coupled to the input of the customer premises equipment interface, then entering into an idle state; while in the idle state, determining whether a signal is received from the customer premises equipment interface at the first input of the path selector; while in the idle state, selecting the test signal received at the second input of the path selector unless a signal is received from the customer premises equipment interface at the first input; and communicating the test signal from the path selector to the network, the test signal able to be monitored by the network.