Patent ID: 6324168
Filing Date: 2001-11-27
Classification: G01R,H04L,H04Q

Abstract:
A method for analyzing a network link in a computer network, comprising:generating a predetermined signal on the network link;detecting a response of the link to the predetermined signal;analyzing the response for an influence of a termination of the link, in which the step of analyzing comprises:applying a short circuit threshold to the response of the link,applying an open circuit threshold to the response of the link, andsearching the response of the link for a matched terminator;locating the termination of the link in response to the application of the short circuit threshold, open circuit threshold, and search for the matched terminator, wherein the search for the matched terminator comprises:calculating at least a first-order differential of the response as a function of delay from the generation of the predetermined signal,determining where the first-order differential indicates an inflection, andidentifying the inflection as the terminator; anddetermining a time delay between the generation of the predetermined signal and the located termination.