Non-intrusive network-based analysis of facsimile transmissions

Abstract

Non-intrusive monitoring and analysis of real-time facsimile transmissions is accomplished. Analog impairment measurements are made on the high speed page signal in those transmissions and protocol analysis is made on the low speed control messages in those transmissions. These measurements and analysis are a powerful tool for trouble shooting service problems afflicting facsimile transmissions. Real customer traffic can be monitored to detect circuit impairments and to evaluate service being provided. A selected incoming trunk of a central office switch is accessed and a monitoring function with respect to that trunk is established. A signal classification operation is performed, which identifies the presence of a facsimile transmission and what kind of facsimile transmission it is. When the classification operation has determined the presence and nature of a facsimile transmission, a series of non-intrusive impairment measurements is made using the page information sent in the course of the facsimile transmission. Analog transmission impairments are identified along with signal to noise performance. Echo and delay measurements are also taken and the protocols are tracked. The measurement data is collected and analyzed to ascertain whether or not the facsimile transmission was normal. A diagnostic module uses the measurements to determine why any given transmission was abnormal.