Transmitting DSL startup parameters over a voice channel

Abstract

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) modems allow high-speed data to be sent over telephone lines normally used for analog voice service. In cases of impaired DSL line performance, diagnostic information is passed over a more stable part of the channel, i.e. the voice band channel. For example, analog modems may be used to communicate over the voice band channel. The diagnostic information may include various types of information that the two non-connecting DSL modems see on their respective sides of the line. For example, all the parameters that each of the DSL modems establish during start-up can be part of the diagnostic payload transmitted by the analog modems. Parameters such as settings of frequency domain equalizer, line bit rates, settings of time domain equalizer, SNR, location within startup of start-up failure, signal shape, Reed-Solomon values, etc. may be passed. This allows for more rapid diagnosis of line problems and reduced human intervention, thereby saving both time and money in installing or operating DSL service.

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