Patent ID: 6453016
Filing Date: 2002-09-17
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
A method of detecting and locating faults on a copper loop, the copper loop connecting a test head located at a central office to a customer end unit, the method comprising:positioning one or more remotely addressable maintenance units (RAMUs) at one or more locations on the copper loop, wherein each RAMU includes: means for detecting the polarity and magnitude of a voltage that is applied from the central office; means for selecting the polarity of a reference voltage based on the polarity of the applied voltage; and means for comparing the applied voltage with the reference voltage; setting each of the one or more RAMUs to a reset mode or a set mode based on the polarities and magnitudes of the applied and the reference voltages; and detecting and locating faults on the copper loop upon setting each of the one or more RAMUs to the reset mode or set mode.