US5566162A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of sectionalizing trouble on telecommunication network connections
Assignee: Ciena Luxembourg SARL
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Filing: 1995-12-07
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Granted: 1996-10-15
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Expires: 2015-12-07
Abstract
Abstract In telecommunications involving more than one network, it is important to determine the location of a fault which may occur on a connection so that the responsible network administrator can be identified and appropriate remedial measures can be promptly performed. The invention allows sectionalization of trouble on a connection which spans more than one network administrative domain. It uses NE (near-end), FE (far-end) and Int. (intermediate) monitoring signals specific to separate layered entities associated with the connection.
Inventors
- 👤 John G. Gruber
- 👤 Gregory P. Burdett
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 12:10
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04J; H04J3/00; H04J3/02; H04J3/14; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S370/00; Y10S370/901; Y10S370/902; Y10S370/903; Y10S370/907
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
116 words
In a telecommunication system consisting of a plurality of separately layered networks and/or hierarchically separate networks, a method of sectionalizing trouble on a connection spanning two or three administrative domains within the layered or hieracrchically separate networks, comprising steps of: (a) at a site located on the connection but adjacent to the boundary of two administrative domains, conducting FE monitoring for trouble in two directions along the connection; (b) at the site, conducting NE monitoring for trouble in the two directions; (c) at the site, conducting NE and FE monitoring for trouble in the domain in which the site is located; and (d) sectionalizing trouble to any of the administrative domains according to the monitoring results.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
116 words
In a telecommunication system consisting of a plurality of separately layered networks and/or hierarchically separate networks, a method of sectionalizing trouble on a connection spanning two or three administrative domains within the layered or hieracrchically separate networks, comprising steps of: (a) at a site located on the connection but adjacent to the boundary of two administrative domains, conducting FE monitoring for trouble in two directions along the connection; (b) at the site, conducting NE monitoring for trouble in the two directions; (c) at the site, conducting NE and FE monitoring for trouble in the domain in which the site is located; and (d) sectionalizing trouble to any of the administrative domains according to the monitoring results.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of sectionalizing trouble on a connection spanning two or three administrative domains according to claim 1 wherein the connection is maintained with a plurality of entities, each of which uses its own monitoring signals.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of sectionalizing trouble on a connection spanning two or three administrative domains according to claim 2 wherein the administrative domains are LECs and IECs, and the connection is maintained with a service entity and carriage entity.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
43 words
The method of sectionalizing trouble on a connection spanning two or three administrative domains according to claim 3 wherein the connection involves an IEC and two LECs, the carriage entity spans only the IEC and the service entity spans the connection from end-to-end.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of sectionalizing trouble on a connection spanning two or three administrative domains according to claim 4 wherein the carriage entity uses SONET monitoring signals, and the service entity uses DS1 ESF signals.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of sectionalizing trouble on a connection spanning two or three administrative domains according to claim 1 wherein the steps are performed on an on-demand basis or on a pre-set periodic basis.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-10-15 | 2000-04-15 | 2000-10-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-10-15 | 2004-04-15 | 2004-10-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-10-15 | 2008-04-15 | 2008-10-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |