Patent ID: 6320939
Filing Date: 2001-11-20
Classification: H04M

Abstract:
A testing apparatus for testing telephone equipment of a subscriber which is communicatively connected to a multiplexer via a communication medium, the testing apparatus comprising:a controller;a test circuit connectable to the communication medium between the controller and the telephone equipment of the subscriber for testing the telephone equipment via the communication medium, wherein the communication medium is capable of conveying analog and digital signals;a receiver connected to the communication medium between the multiplexer and the controller; anda relay means, wherein in response to the receiver receiving a test signal via the communication medium, the controller (i) causes the relay means to open the communication medium thereby separating the communication medium into a first part connected to the telephone equipment and a second part connected to the multiplexer whereby the telephone equipment is communicatively isolated from the multiplexer, and (ii) causes the relay means to connect the test circuit into communication with the telephone equipment via the first part of the communication medium connected thereto.