L5 System: Centralized Transmission Surveillance

Verification of the transmission integrity of a complex, broadband network such as the L5 Coaxial-Carrier Transmission System requires many measurements at different locations and considerable processing of the measured data. To minimize the manpower and time requirements for these maintenance operations while providing a high degree of system reliability, a centralized, automated transmission surveillance system has been developed and forms an integral part of the L5 network. The transmission surveillance system (TSS) takes advantage of a technology evolving from the availability of inexpensive, flexible, small central processors (minicomputers) and programmable test sets. A surveillance network, consisting of a computer-controlled center 2035 located at a strategic L5 main station and a set of remotely controllable auxiliaries located at other stations and having digitally operated test sets with automatic access to key test points, provides the following advantages on a large segment of an L5 route: (i) Transmission performance overview t h a t is not possible with local individual station maintenance. (ii) Early warning of slowly developing troubles. (Hi) Rapid localization of trouble by automatic techniques. (iv) Efficient use of manpower through computer control of routine tasks. (y) Accurate, flexible records as a result of computer processing and teletypewriter printout.