System having user terminal connecting to a remote test system via the internet for remotely testing communication network

A method and system for remotely testing a communication network provides dynamic internet access to remote test systems. Internet (TCP/IP) connections are established between remote network terminal elements. An internet connection processor is coupled between remote end-user terminals and remote test systems or units. A remote user connects to the internet connection processor through an internet data link between the remote user terminal and the internet connection processor. Once a remote user is validated and logged in, the user is provided with a display of available remote test system sites supported by the internet connection processor. The user selects a remote test site and an appropriate format in which connectivity is desired. The internet connection processor translates the remote site selection input to a corresponding internet address based on pre-loaded cross-reference data file. The internet connection processor then calls the unique TCP/IP address for the selected remote test system and establishes internet connectivity. In this way, a logical connection is formed dynamically between a remote end-user PC and a selected remote test system. Control commands for testing a communication network can then be sent from remote user terminals across interconnected TCP/IP networks to selected remote test systems. Remote test systems and remote users need only have local or IP access to the IP connection processor. Dedicated X.25 control circuits and/or operational control systems are not required to configure a connection to the remote test systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates generally to telecommunication and computer 
internetworking. More particularly, the present invention pertains to 
testing a communication network through access to remote test systems. 
2. Related Art 
A communication network serves to transport information among a number of 
locations. The information is usually presented to the network in the form 
of time-domain electrical signals representing any combination of 
telephony, audio, video, and/or computer data in a variety of formats. A 
typical communication network consists of various physical sites, called 
nodes, interconnected by information conduits, called "links." Nodes are 
strategically distributed locally, regionally, national, and 
internationally, depending upon the particular geography, population, 
customer demand, and other network design considerations. 
Test systems are often connected to nodes for performing network management 
functions such as network restoration, customer servicing, circuit 
testing, and call monitoring. Local and remote user access is usually 
provided to a test system. For example, an Enhanced Integrated Digital 
Test System (EIDTS) offers local access for computer terminals, printers, 
and other terminal units through TTY0-TTY3 lines, through a Test Access 
Digroup (TAD), to a DXC 1/0 node. 
Remote users establish connectivity through a digital communication 
network, e.g., an X.25 Operations System network cloud (OSSNET). Calls are 
typically placed to a central X.25 interconnection processor (IDCS) 
through an X.25 interface or an Internet Protocol (IP) interface. When an 
X.25 interface is involved, the remote user establishes connectivity with 
the IDCS either directly into the X.25 OSSNET cloud through a PAD or 
indirectly through a local-area network (LAN) having a DOS or OS/2 Gateway 
supporting X.25 communication. When an IP interface is provided at the 
IDCS, the remote user can place an IP call, for example, via Telnet, over 
interconnected networks to the IDCS. Any interconnected computers networks 
supporting the IP protocol can be used including local-area networks 
(LANs) and/or wide-area-networks (WANs). 
When the IDCS receives a call from a remote user, the IDCS logs in the 
remote user and displays a menu of available testing system sites, i.e. 
testing sites having an EIDTS. The remote user selects a site, the IDCS 
dials the appropriate Data terminal element (DTE) address of the selected 
site's testing system. Once a call connection is established between the 
IDCS through the X.25 OSSNET cloud and X.25 circuits to the selected 
remote testing system EIDTS, the IDCS cuts the call through from the EIDTS 
unit to the remote user. 
Heretofore, remote user access to a test system, i.e., control, has been 
available through dedicated X.25 circuits or X.25 networks connected to a 
central Operations System network, i.e. an X.25 OSSNET cloud. For example, 
control from a remote user is often delivered into a remote test system at 
a X.25 pad or through a direct X.25 access. X.25 circuits include physical 
circuits requiring ordering and installation. An X.25 pad usually supports 
only four EIDTS units. Multiple access problems can result when the X.25 
pad or X.25 circuit experiences a failure condition. 
What is needed is a method and apparatus for establishing connectivity to a 
selected remote test system which does not require a dedicated X.25 
control circuit or OSSNET network. Large numbers of remote users seeking 
access to remote testing systems need to be accommodated. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention provides a method and system for remotely testing a 
communication network. Dynamic internet connections are established 
between remote network terminal elements. Control commands for testing a 
communication network can then be sent from remote user terminals across 
interconnected TCP/IP networks to selected remote test systems. 
In a preferred embodiment, a dynamic internet connection processor is 
coupled between remote end-user terminals and remote test systems. A 
remote user connects to the internet connection processor through an 
internet link between the remote user terminal and the internet connection 
processor. For security and/or bookkeeping purposes, user identification 
and password information can be checked to validate the remote user prior 
to logging the user into the internet connection processor. 
Once logged in, the user is provided with a display of available remote 
test system sites supported by the internet connection processor. The user 
then selects a remote test site. The internet connection processor 
translates the user remote site selection input to a corresponding 
internet address based on pre-loaded cross-reference data file. The 
internet connection processor then calls the unique internet address for 
the selected remote test system and establishes internet connectivity with 
the remote test system. 
In this way, a logical internet connection (TCP/IP) or data link is formed 
dynamically between a remote end-user PC and a selected remote test system 
or unit through internet access. Remote users need only have local or 
internet access to the internet connection processor. Remote test system 
are configured for internet (TCP/IP) communication with the internet 
connection processor. Dedicated X.25 control circuits and/or operational 
control systems are not required. 
Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the 
structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention, 
are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The present invention will now be described with reference to the 
accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate 
identical or functionally similar elements. Additionally, the left-most 
digit(s) of a reference number typically identifies the drawing in which 
the reference number first appears. 
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
The present invention provides a method and system for dynamically 
establishing connectivity to remote network testing systems through 
internet (TCP/IP) access. The present invention is described in the 
example environment of a communication network. Description in these terms 
is provided for convenience only. It is not intended that the invention be 
limited to application in this example environment. In fact, after reading 
the following description, it will become apparent to a person skilled in 
the relevant art how to implement the invention in alternative 
environments. 
To more clearly delineate the present invention, an effort is made 
throughout the specification to adhere to the following term definitions 
as consistently as possible. 
The term "communication network," and equivalents thereof, refer to any 
type of data communication network. Nodes, also referred to as sites, are 
distributed across a communication for performing switching, routing, 
multiplexing/de-multiplexing, and other network functions. These nodes can 
be configured as a ring, mesh, cluster, tandem combination, multi-level 
hierarchy, and/or any other network topology. Such nodes can include but 
are not limited to digital cross-connect (DXC) nodes including SONET 
wideband DXCs switching SONET data formats, DXC 3/3 nodes for switching 
high-speed DS3 data signals, DXC 3/1 nodes for switching low-speed DS1 
and/or high-speed DS3 data signals, DXC 1/0 nodes for switching low-speed 
DS0 and/or DS1 data signals, and/or 600E and DMS-250 digital switches for 
DS0-level circuit testing and access of maintenance ports. 
Any type of data and format can be used in the communication network. 
Audio, video, telephony, computer, and/or other forms of data can be used. 
Optical, electrical, and electromagnetic radiation signals can be 
transported. For example, DS0 to DS4 type data stream formats, SONET 
Optical Channel OC-1 to OC-198 formats, and/or any other time-domain 
signal at different bit rates can be used. 
The terms "remote test system," "remote testing unit," and equivalents 
thereof, all refer to a testing system which tests one or more 
corresponding nodes. Such remote testing can include any type of network 
control function such as testing, monitoring, controlling, managing, load 
balancing, data routing, restoring, dynamic line configuration, private or 
dedicated line servicing and testing, Test Access Digroup testing (TAD), 
Facilities Access Digroup testing (FAD), and/or any other network control 
function. 
The term "internet" is used as a broad descriptor covering Transmission 
Control Protocol and/or Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), also known as 
Internet, communication compatibility. For example, "internet data link" 
refers to any logical TCP/IP or Internet data link. See, for example, 
Martin, J., TCP/IP Networking Architectitre, Administration, and 
Programming, PTR Prentice-Hall, Inc., New Jersey (1994) (incorporated in 
its entirety herein by reference). 
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing remote internet access to two remote test 
systems 100, 110 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
Remote test system 100 tests communication network nodes 102, 104, and 
106. Remote test system 110 tests communication network nodes 112, 114, 
and 116. 
Remote test systems 100, 110 can be any type of computer processing system 
configured for internet (TCP/IP) communication. In one example, each 
remote test system 100, 110 consists of a VAX computer, such as, Hekimian 
VAX Models 2000, 4000, or 6000. 
Remote test systems 100, 110 provide TAD and/or FAD capability for testing 
network operations at the respective nodes 102-106 and 112-116. For 
example, TAD access and testing capability provides DS0-level testing for 
DXC 1/0 nodes 102, 112, 600E switch 106, and DMS-250 switch 116. FAD 
access and testing capability allows testing above the DS0-level. As shown 
in FIG. 1, FAD access and testing capability provides T1 level testing to 
DXC 3/1 node 104 and DXC 3/3 node 114. The present invention, however, is 
not limited to these examples of TAD and FAD testing. Any type of remote 
testing capability for a communication network can be used for any node 
type. 
As shown in FIG. 1, full internet (TCP/IP) connectivity is provided between 
remote testing systems 105, 115 and internet connection processor 130. 
Remote testing system 100 is coupled via internet data link 105 to frame 
relay network 120. Remote testing system 110 is coupled via internet data 
link 115 to frame relay network 120. The internet connection processor 130 
is connected to the frame relay network 120 via internet data link 125. 
TCP/IP software and other communication modules and equipment are provided 
at remote testing systems 100 and 110 and internet connection processor 
130 for implementing TCP/IP connectivity. Frame relay network 120 can be 
any type of local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), or any 
other type of interconnected data network. Any other data communication 
protocol and architecture which supports TCP/IP communication can be used 
in addition to or instead of a frame relay network 120. 
A plurality of remote user terminals 150 are connected through a local LAN 
140 to the internet connection processor 130 through an internet data link 
135. In this way, each remote user terminal 150 is provided internet 
connectivity through the internet connection processor 130. 
Alternative configuration arrangements can be made as long as the remote 
user terminal are connected locally to the internet connection processor 
130 or at least have internet connectivity (e.g., through a separate host, 
gateway, router, or other server) to the internet connection processor 
130. For example, the remote users 150 can be connected through larger 
networks (campus-wide, metro-wide, or wide area networks) or directly to 
the internet connection processor 130 in a stand-alone configuration. 
Firewalls and other internet security systems and methods can be provided. 
TCP/IP communication software for implementing internet connectivity is 
provided on the internet connection processor. In the LAN configuration 
shown in FIG. 1, TCP/IP communication software is typically provided on a 
separate host, gateway, bridge, or router (not shown) connected to the 
local LAN 140 for servicing all of the remote user terminals 150. Of 
course, TCP/IP communication software can be run on a remote user terminal 
150 with sufficient processing power for dialing the internet connection 
processor 130 directly. Alternatively, internet connection processor 130 
can act as a host server for each of the remote terminal elements 150. 
The operation of the internet connection processor 130 in dynamically 
establishing an internet connection between any remote terminal 150 and 
remote test systems 105, 115 will be described further with respect to 
FIGS. 2A and 2B. FIG. 2A shows an internet connection processor routine 
200. For example, to gain access to remote testing system 105, a user at a 
remote user terminal 150 first dials the internet connection processor 
130. The internet connection processor 130 executes a login sequence to 
verify user access (step 210). This login sequence can consist of a 
conventional Telnet interactive login routine. Password checking and any 
other security and/or authorization sequence can also be performed. 
In step 220, a remote site selection display is presented to the remote 
user at the remote terminal 150. FIG. 2B shows an example of a remote site 
selection display menu 225. This data for this display menu 225 can be 
transmitted by the internet connection processor 130 to the remote 
terminal 150 over local LAN 140. Alternatively, data for the remote menu 
site display 225 can be preloaded into the remote terminal 150 for display 
after a successful login sequence. 
As shown in FIG. 2B, the user is presented with a number of remote test 
systems from which to select. For example, these remote test systems can 
be identified by the city or region in which the remote test system and 
node being tested is located, such as Miami, Seattle, Denver, London, and 
Chicago. The user enters a selection site input, i.e., a number 
corresponding to the desired remote test system in which access is 
desired. This remote site selection input is then sent from the remote 
terminal 150 over local LAN 140 through internet data link 135 to the 
internet connection processor 130. The internet connection processor 130 
then translates the remote site selection input into an internet address 
of the remote selected test system (step 230). For example, a database can 
be stored in the internet connection processor 130 which lists an internet 
address for each of the remote test systems. The database correlates the 
internet addresses with the remote site selection inputs which identify 
the remote network test systems. 
In step 240, the internet connection processor 130 establishes a first 
internet connection between the internet connection processor 130 and the 
selected remote test system at the internet address determined in step 
230. In step 250, the internet connection processor 130 then automatically 
logs the user into the selected remote testing system. Additional security 
log-in sequences can be added to gain access to the selected remote 
testing system. 
In this way, a remote user can dynamically test the communication network 
node through internet access at the selected remote testing system site. 
Control commands can then be transported from remote terminal 150 to the 
selected remote test system for controlling a network node. Through 
dynamic internet access, the present invention unleashes network testing 
capability for any node to a virtual unlimited number of remote users 
regardless of location. As shown in FIG. 1, a remote user anywhere in the 
country--for example, in Durham, North Carolina--can gain access to remote 
test systems at other locations in the communication network, such as 
Chicago, Ill. or Seattle, Wash. This greatly enhances the capacity, 
flexibility, and range of network testing, thereby, improving overall 
communication performance and customer satisfaction. 
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing remote internet access to two remote 
testing systems 300 and 310 through a local exchange carrier according to 
a second embodiment of the present invention. In this example, a remote 
user 350 can gain access through a local LAN 340, an internet data link 
337, a Frame Relay network 336, and an internet data link 335 to internet 
connection processor 330. The internet connection processor 330 is owned 
and operated by a local exchange carrier, i.e., a New York LEC, or other 
entities separate from the remote users 350. However, as described with 
respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a pre-authorized login sequence is executed by 
the internet connection processor 330 to verify user access. 
Otherwise, the operation of the internet connection processor 330 proceeds 
as described before with respect to internet connection processor 130. 
Namely, a display site menu screen is displayed to the remote user listing 
available remote test systems 300, 310 of the local exchange carrier. The 
internet connection processor 330 then translates a remote site selection 
input to an internet address of the selected remote test system and 
dynamically establishes an internet connection between the internet 
connection processor 330 and the selected remote testing system. 
For example, if remote test system 300 has been selected, an internet 
connection will be established consisting of internet datalink 325, frame 
relay network 320, and internet datalink 305. DXC 1/0 node 302, DXC 3/1 
node 304 and 600E switch 306 can then be tested. Alternatively, when 
remote test system 310 has been selected, an internet connection will be 
established consisting of internet data link 325, frame relay network 320, 
and internet data link 315. DXC 1/0 node 312, DXC 3/1 node 314 and DMS-250 
switch 316 can then be tested. 
Conclusion 
While various embodiments of the present invention have been described 
above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of 
example only, and not limitation. It will be understood by those skilled 
in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein 
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in 
the appended claims. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention 
should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, 
but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and 
their equivalents.