Specifications

Reference Guide

8-1

System Testing and Diagnostics Introduction

Chapter 8

System Testing and Diagnostics

8.1 Introduction

This chapter describes the integrated access systems’ comprehensive set of built-in diagnostic

tools that enable the operator to remotely troubleshoot and resolve problems. Throughout the

user card chapters in this system reference guide are brief explanations of system testing and

problem solving. However this chapter was designed to provide a “full picture” of what this

integrated access system is capable of providing.

8.2 Integral Test Capabilities

The integrated access system provides diagnostics capabilities to resolve problems. There are

system-generated alarm messages described in Chapter 4, System Configuration and

Operation, the integral diagnostics capabilities of this system include Bit Error Rate Testers

(BERTs) on data cards, tone generators on analog voice cards, the ability to manipulate the

analog leads and the digital signaling bits of voice circuits and extensive loopback generation

and detection capability on many system elements.

The ability to initiate loopbacks at various points in a circuit, coupled with the ability to

generate and receive test signals and to collect performance and error information, enable the

operator to systematically troubleshoot circuit problems. It allows the operator to determine if

the problem resides in the system, and whether the problem can be isolated down to a specific

Field Replaceable Unit (FRU) within the system. Since all of these diagnostic tools can be

operated from a remote VT100 terminal, troubleshooting begins immediately without

dispatching an on-site technician.

8.3 User Card Diagnostics

8.3.1 WAN Diagnostics

Software-initiated diagnostics on T1 and E1 WAN aggregates include looping the WAN signal

toward the network (line loopback) or the system (local loopback) and placing any one of the

DS0 channels that make up the WAN signal in local loopback. The table below list detailed

information on the diagnostic capabilities of the WAN cards.