초록 ▼

The disclosed facility type determination technique ascertains whether or not a facility connection is solely digital. In the disclosed embodiments, this information is used to establish the rate at which data is coupled through the facility connection. More specifically, a predetermined test signal

The disclosed facility type determination technique ascertains whether or not a facility connection is solely digital. In the disclosed embodiments, this information is used to establish the rate at which data is coupled through the facility connection. More specifically, a predetermined test signal including a pseudorandom sequence of digital signals is transmitted through the facility or combination of facilities connecting a data source to a data destination after the connection between the source and destination is established. The received test signal is examined at the destination and the examination results are used to determine the rate at which data is subsequently transmitted between the data source and data destination. Advantageously, this technique does not restrict network facility management and can be employed in a variety of data communication applications.

대표청구항 ▼

Apparatus for use in a communications system wherein data is communicated from a first location to at least one other location at various times via a facility connection which changes at different ones of said various times, said apparatus comprising means for transmitting a predetermined test signa

Apparatus for use in a communications system wherein data is communicated from a first location to at least one other location at various times via a facility connection which changes at different ones of said various times, said apparatus comprising means for transmitting a predetermined test signal from said first location to said other location via said facility connection at one of said various times; and means, responsive to an acknowledgment signal generated within each said other location and transmitted to said first location in response to said predetermined test signal, for determining whether said facility connection comprises a digital facility at said one of said various times, and said predetermined test signal is a pseudo-random sequence, which includes a first portion which is transmitted at a first rate and a second portion which is transmitted at a second rate.