SARTS - An Overview of Remote Special-Service Testing in the Bell System

The high quality of special services provided to Bell System customers depends in part on adequate testing and maintenance of the circuits. Typical examples of special-service circuits are toll-free lines to a business office or data links between a company's central computer and remote locations. Over one-third of the Bell System's revenue comes from these services--and the proportion is increasing. Many special-service circuits bypass conventional switching systems, and in densely populated regions they present a considerable problem in accessing them. Another feature of these circuits is the large variety of specialized signaling and transmission equipment which the craftspeople must deal with. 501 Testing is a complex issue and usually one involving craftspeople at many different locations along the circuit path. The Special Service Center (ssc) has evolved to centralize administration and testing of these circuits. The Switched Access Remote Test System known as SARTS provides the technical core of an ssc and the means for reaching out to various remote locations with highly automated test equipment. This paper presents an overview of the subject of remote testing leading up to SARTS and an introductory description of SARTS.