Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A method, system, and device for performing diagnostic testing of digital feature phones remotely located from a diagnostic device includes establishing a bi-directional communications link between a digital feature phone and the diagnostic device. The diagnostic device transmits signals to the digital feature phone which activate a troubleshooting program in the feature phone to perform a self-test and access an error list stored in the memory of the feature phone. The diagnostic device can direct the feature phone's troubleshooting program to execute different troubleshooting procedures; depending on what information is needed. The feature phone transmits the results of the troubleshooting procedures back to the diagnostic device, whereupon the diagnostic device determines the performance characteristics of the feature phone based upon the troubleshooting results. Based on the performance characteristics, the diagnostic device determines whether more information is required regarding the feature phone's operational status. If more information is required, the diagnostic device can request a second round of troubleshooting. In one embodiment, the diagnostic device and the feature phone are connected via an ISDN network which provides at least two B-channels for data communication and a D-channel for transmitting signaling data. The diagnostic device transmits the request for troubleshooting to the feature phone via a D-channel and the feature phone returns the troubleshooting results via the D-channel as well. The D-channel communication between the diagnostic device and feature phone occurs in the form of message associated UUI (MA-UUI) signals. In this manner, the entire troubleshooting procedure can be executed on a customer's feature phone without interrupting service to the feature phone.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim