Importance

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Abstract

The present invention provides a device and method for managing fault detection and isolation in voice and data networks. Specifically, the present invention is a device and method for fault detection and fault isolation that can be used to validate connectivity of a central site to a number of connected client devices. The present invention operates stage by stage, working from the central site back to a connected client device. The present invention can be controlled from a central maintenance station and as such does not require direct user enabling. In one embodiment, the present invention provides an intelligent device (e.g., an intelligent data concentrator) for coupling an electronic device to a network comprising a first interface for communicatively coupling the intelligent device to the network and a second interface for communicatively coupling the intelligent device to a plurality of client devices such that the client devices are communicatively coupled to the network. The intelligent device also comprises means for processing and interpreting data coupled to the first interface, and fault detection means coupled to the means for processing and interpreting data, wherein the fault detection means performs fault detection in the network. In one embodiment, the intelligent device operates in conjunction with a central control site in performing fault detection.

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First Claim