Detection of data connection loss

Apparatus for detecting loss of data connection in links between an exchange and one or more of a plurality of network terminals arising during presence of a user at an intervention point node on the links between the exchange and the network terminals, comprising a computer hardware processor arranged to:

• receive connection information about a loss of data connection on any one of the links;
• receive duration information about a duration of the user presence at the intervention point node;
• determine, in real time or near real-time, if the loss of data connection occurred within the user presence duration;
• cause line tests to be conducted on each of the links for which loss of data connection is determined to have occurred within the user presence duration;
• receive results of the line tests including a number of links being determined, by the line test, to exhibit a fault;
• and
• determine if the number of links determined to exhibit a fault exceeds a predetermined threshold number.

A system comprising:

• a plurality of network terminals;
• an intervention point node;
• an exchange;
• links established between the exchange and the plurality of network terminals;
• an apparatus for identifying loss of data connection in the links between the exchange and one or more of the plurality of network terminals arising during presence of a user at the intervention point node on the links between the exchange and the one or more network terminals, the apparatus comprising:
• an element management system by which the apparatus receives connection information, a communications device by which the the apparatus recives duration information;
• and a computer hardware processor at least arranged to:
• receive connection information about a loss of data connection on any one of the links;
• receive connection information about a duration of the user presence at the intervention point node;
• determine, in real time or near real-time, if the loss of data connection occured within the user presence duration;
• cause line tests to be conducted on each of the links for which loss of data connection is determined to have occured within the user presence duration;
• receive results of the line tests including a number of links being determined, by the line test, to ezhibit a fault;
• and
• determine if the number of links determined to exhibit a fault exceeds a predetermined threshold number.