Test systems and methods for extended off-hook conditions on a subscriber line

1. A method for determining the cause of an extended off-hook condition on a subscriber line, the method comprising:

measuring a first resistance of the subscriber line based on a first current;

measuring a second resistance of the subscriber line based on a second current;

determining a difference between the first and second resistance measurements;

determining that the extended off-hook condition is the result of an off-hook telephone on the subscriber line if the difference between the first and second resistance measurements is greater than a threshold value; and

determining that the extended off-hook condition is the result of a short circuit on the subscriber line if the difference between the first and second resistance measurements is less than the threshold value.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the threshold value comprises at least 20 Ohms.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the first current is between about 4-6 mA.

4. The method of claim 3 further comprising:

injecting the first current over the subscriber line using a current source.

5. The method of claim 3 wherein the second current is at least 8 mA higher than the first current.

6. The method of claim 5 further comprising:

applying a voltage over the subscriber line to induce the second current over the subscriber line using a voltage source,

wherein the voltage is based on a maximum battery voltage used in a central office.

7. A test system operable to determine the cause of an extended off-hook condition on a subscriber line, the test system comprising:

a measurement system operable to measure a first resistance of the subscriber line based on a first current, and to measure a second resistance of the subscriber line based on a second current; and

a control system operable to determine a difference between the first and second resistance measurements, to determine that the extended off-hook condition is the result of an off-hook telephone on the subscriber line if the difference between the first and second resistance measurements is greater than a threshold value, and to determine that the extended off-hook condition is the result of a short circuit on the subscriber line if the difference between the first and second resistance measurements is less than the threshold value.

8. The test system of claim 7 wherein the threshold value comprises at least 20 Ohms.

9. The test system of claim 7 wherein the first current is between about 4-6 mA.

10. The test system of claim 9 further comprising:

a current source operable to inject the first current over the subscriber line.

11. The test system of claim 9 wherein the second current is at least 8 mA higher than the first current.

12. The test system of claim 9 further comprising:

a voltage source operable to apply a voltage over the subscriber line to induce the second current over the subscriber line, wherein the voltage is based on a maximum battery voltage used in a central office.

13. A communication network operable to determine the cause of extended off-hook conditions on subscriber lines, the communication network comprising:

at least one subscriber line connected to customer premises equipment;

a central office having a switch connected to at least one subscriber line; and

a test system operable to electrically connect to the at least one subscriber line;

the test system operable to detect an extended off-hook condition on the at least one subscriber line, and responsive to detecting the extended off-hook condition, the test system is further operable to measure a first resistance of the subscriber line based on a first current, to measure a second resistance of the subscriber line based on a second current, to determine a difference between the first and second resistance measurements, to determine that an extended off-hook condition is the result of an off-hook telephone on the subscriber line if the difference between the first and second resistance measurements is greater than a threshold value, and to determine that the extended off-hook condition is the result of a short circuit on the subscriber line if the difference between the first and second resistance measurements is less than the threshold value.

14. The communication network of claim 13 wherein the threshold value comprises at least 20 Ohms.

15. The communication network of claim 13 wherein the first current is between about 4-6 mA.

16. The communication network of claim 15 wherein the test system is further operable to inject the first current over the subscriber line.

17. The communication network of claim 15 wherein the second current is at least 8 mA higher than the first current.

18. The communication network of claim 15 wherein the test system is further operable to apply a voltage over the subscriber line to induce the second current over the subscriber line, wherein the voltage is based on a maximum battery voltage used in a central office.

19. The communication network of claim 13 wherein the test system is implemented within the central office.