Multiplex communications – Network configuration determination
Reexamination Certificate
1997-12-23
2001-02-27
Pham, Chi H. (Department: 2731)
Multiplex communications
Network configuration determination
C370S254000, C700S012000, C700S015000, C700S027000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06195339
ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates to a telecommunications network interface unit (NIU) and, in particular, to a method and device for local provisioning of a network interface unit, specifically a network interface unit capable of being provisioned via a single front panel pushbutton and associated LEDs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Network interface units are telecommunication transmission equipment that a network service provider, such as a telephone operating company or long distance carrier, places between their lines and the customer's lines. The network interface units provide a demarcation point for legal tariff issues.
Network interface units can be provisioned, i.e., specifically set (enabled and disabled) to perform one or more desired options such as the following functions:
(1) Line Buildout Pads
(2) Regenerator Towards Customer
(3) All One's Signal (AIS) Upon Customer Loss of Signal
(4) Loopback (LPBK) Upon Customer Loss of Signal
(5) Customer Disconnect Indicator (CDI) Upon Customer Loss of Signal Loopback
(6) NIU/Extension Repealer
(7) Others
Traditional provisioning of these above options involves physically enabling and disabling various switches (slide, rotary, pushbutton, etc.) or entering commands using a computer through a RS-232 front panel connector provided on an NIU.
However, these known methods of provisioning a NIU have various disadvantages. The manual switches are typically located on the network interface units printed circuit board. As such, the NIU must be removed from its housing to determine how the NIU is provisioned and to access the switches. Further, the manual switches allow for an increased chance of being set wrong due to human error. Computerized provisioning has the disadvantage in that it can be time consuming, cost prohibitive, and further cannot be performed manually, i.e., without the proper computer, cables, etc.
Some prior art NIUs include, in addition to a number of switches, front panel pushbuttons to achieve for example, the function of manual loopback. When the button is pushed, an LED lights to signal that the loopback function is enabled. When the button is pushed again, the loopback function is disabled and the LED is turned off. However, while the manual loopback function can be enabled and disabled via the button, provisioning of the NIU for the other various functions must be achieved by the use of the above-identified provisioning methods.
The present invention, however, solves the problems and disadvantages of the prior art network interface units and provisioning methods. The present invention provides for a cost-effecetive, time saving, user friendly method and device to locally provision and determine the provisions of a network interface unit without removing the unit from its mounting or using a computer or requiring additional pushbutton switches.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a method and device for the local provisioning of a telecommunication network interface unit (NIU) shown in the attached drawings. Prior art NIUs typically must be provisioned by manipulating a number of switches (not shown) on the body of the NIU into a set sequence as desired to perform a particular function. However, in order to do so, the NIU must be removed from its housing to gain access to the switches. The present invention provides for local provisioning via a single pushbutton located on the front panel of the NIU. Preferably, the existing manual loopback button (MLB) is utilized in a dual purpose manner to achieve the objective of the present invention. To provision the NIU of the present invention, the MLB is depressed and held for a predetermined amount of time. As a result, the LED indicators illuminate and then begin to scroll from one to another at a timed sequence, each representing a distinctly set provision. When the desired LED corresponding to the desired provision is scrolled to and flashes, the user pushes the MLB to set that provision. Then, the LED indicators continue to scroll and flash sequentially until reaching the last LED, at which time the provisioning mode automatically ends. During the scrolling, any number of provisions can be selected. Accordingly, the NIU can readily be provisioned, via a single, front panel pushbutton, specifically the MLB, without needing to remove the NIU or manipulating multiple pushbuttons.
Accordingly, it is the principle object of the present invention to provide a method and device for the local provisioning of a telecommunications network interface unit.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method and device for pushbutton provisioning of a network interface unit.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a user friendly, cost-effective, power consumption efficient and time efficient method and device for the local provisioning of a network interface unit.
It is also an object of the invention to provide a single, manual, front panel pushbutton used in connection with a plurality of LEDs corresponding to specific provisions to achieve local provisioning of a network interface unit.
It is an additional object of the present invention to utilize the MLB to achieve local provisioning of a network interface unit.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide for the automatic scrolling of LED provision indicators and the automatic exit from provisioning mode on a network interface unit.
Numerous other advantages and features of the invention will become readily apparent from the detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention, from the claims and from the accompanying drawings in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4562311 (1985-12-01), Dola
patent: 5226120 (1993-07-01), Brown et al.
patent: 5444776 (1995-08-01), Sheets et al.
patent: 5497373 (1996-03-01), Hulen et al.
patent: 5577115 (1996-11-01), Deutsch et al.
Teltrend Technical Publication “DS1 Digital Network Interface Connector Model DNI5702 (Issue 4)” dated Jun. 1996.
Westell General Description “3110-04G T1 Facility Loopback Unit with Inband or ESF Operation” dated Jun. 1994.
Teltrend Technical Publication “Digital Data Interface Model DDI5730 (Issue 2)” dated Jun. 1992.
Wescom Equipment Issue 2 “Wescom 3551-00 T1 Network Interface Unit (NIU)” dated Nov. 1990.
Erite Carl
Young Rick
HyperEdge Corp.
Patula & Associates
Pham Brenda H.
Pham Chi H.
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