Importance

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Abstract

A method for determining the suitability of a copper line, used for transmitting voice band signals and having one or more user devices coupled thereto for transmitting signals on the copper line, for use in transmitting data signals out-of-band with the voice band signals is provided. The method includes applying a test signal at one point in the copper line. The test signal has a known relationship to a particular out-of-band data transmission scheme. A response of the copper line to the test signal is monitored, as influenced by the one or more user devices. The monitoring takes place at about the point where the test signal was applied. The suitability of the copper line for data transmission using the particular out-of-band data transmission scheme is determined based on the monitored response of the copper line. A method for determining the suitability of a communication line for transmitting data using an out-of-band data transmission protocol is provided. The communication line has a plurality of user devices attached thereto, and the method includes providing a test signal on the communication line having a known relationship to the out-of-band data transmission protocol; monitoring a response of the communication line to the test signal as influenced by the user devices; determining the suitability of the communication line for use in transmitting data signals using the particular out-of-band data transmission protocol based on the response; disconnecting at least one of the user devices from the communication line; and repeating the providing, monitoring, and determining steps to determine if the at least one user device disconnected from the communication line is an interfering device.

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First Claim