Patent ID: 7310671

Claim:
A computer-implemented method, implemented in a troubleshooting portal device, for providing connectivity between a first communication device and a second communication device, the second communication device residing in an access provider communication network, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a specification from the first communication device over a first communication channel, wherein the first communication device is located in a first network operated by a first provider, the specification comprising at least one predefined identifier of the second communication device; receiving, from the first communication device, a request to establish connectivity between the first and the second communication device, wherein the second communication device is located in a second network operated by a second provider different than the first provider; identifying a statically configured second communication channel to the second communication device that is associated with the predefined identifier; configuring a network device to establish a route between the first communication device and the second communication device using the identified statically configured second communication channel; receiving at least troubleshooting data and a test from the first communication device; and communicating the received troubleshooting data and the test to the second communication device.