Client Self Test Functionality (CST) September 2014

Description This Client Self Test (CST) functionality is currently available to all registered CEMR-MTG users which was originally implemented in April of 2011. This same CST functionality is being added to MTG with CLEC SCR021914-1 that is scheduled for release on November 9th, 2014. CST provides Wholesale customers with the ability to perform testing on their DS1 circuits only. CST is only available where CenturyLink (CTL) remote test access (RTA) equipment is located. Users will get an error if test equipment is not available (see response tables under each test). CEMR-MTG/MTG customers interested in CST for unbundled DS1 services can participate in a pre-qualification process by providing a sample of network circuits they would like to self test to their Service Manager (a selection that accurately represents the unbundled services network that CTL provides to a specific company). By providing a representative network sample, CTL can research the network and determine if the appropriate RTA exists to use this functionality. On those qualified circuits with RTA, if the customer is able to determine where the trouble lies, the customer can then either have their end user correct the trouble, they can open a trouble ticket themselves, or have CTL open a trouble ticket to have the trouble worked.

CEMR-MTG Screen Shot Current functionality can be found in the CEMR-MTG GUI at the Design tab, Client Self Test sub tab. The Client Self Test screen allows for Circuit ID input and a selection of the Test Type.

Test Types The Client Self Tests are equivalent to CenturyLink conducting internal tests. Full Test: This test is based on the components of the circuit and available test heads. Example: loop ups, pattern testing, checking for alarms, etc. Customers who run a Full Test will experience circuit down time. A pop-up message will read: “Warning this is an intrusive test. The circuit will be taken out of service for the duration of the test.” Non-Intrusive Test: This test attempts to pull performance monitoring statistics without taking the circuit down. This test can be used to verify the circuit is up and error free. This test will not include intrusive testing. Supplemental Intrusive Test: This test in conjunction with the Non-intrusive Test is equal to the Full Test. This test can be used if non-intrusive test results are inconclusive and it is acceptable to take the circuit out of service. This test cannot be used as a standalone test like the Full Test. This test will also provide customers with a pop-up that reads: “Warning this is an intrusive test. The circuit will be taken out of service for the duration of the test.” Loop Back: This test is a soft loop via a piece of test equipment versus an NIU. This provides some fail safe measures in case the user forgets to take the loop down. This test will run approximately 10 min and will then time out, taking the loop down, to avoid issues with the circuit. The Loop Back feature will allow a customer to place an extra level of trouble shooting without opening a ticket with CenturyLink. This will place a bi-directional loop in a CenturyLink owned test head that can be tested from the customer premise or over the meet point. This test will also provide customers with a pop up that reads, “Warning this is an intrusive test. The circuit will be taken out of service for the duration of the test.”

Test Message Response Example The following are message results possible with a Full Test. Additional test message responses can be found in the CEMR-MTG On-Line Help for the other test types.

Number of Tests Allowed and Data Retention There are limits on the number of tests that can be run, within a given time, for each CEMR-MTG/MTG customer. On a monthly calendar basis, each customer will be limited to 4,000 tests. On a daily basis, there will be a limit of 200 test requests per customer. Each customer will be limited to kick off up to 25 test requests within a 10 minute time frame. A customer will not be allowed the ability to test a given circuit when any repair ticket currently exists for that circuit. If a customer reaches any of the limits, a pop-up message will be displayed notifying them that they reached their limits. A failed test request is still considered an attempt and will be counted as a test run. Data Retention: Test data will be retained for 90 days, after which time the data will be purged. User can select “Transaction Status” as “CST-Completed” in “Transaction History” tab under “Design” to view the historical successfully completed CST transaction data.

Benefits Reduces overall MTTR (Mean Time To Repair) by avoiding unnecessary referrals to CenturyLink (CTL) where the CST test results either indicate there is no trouble in the CTL network or point to CPE (Customer Provided Equipment). Potentially expands/enhances RTA over and above what the customer’s own test access provides. Optimizes troubleshooting capabilities by providing access to additional test results from within the CTL network that may either support the need to generate a ticket to CTL or convince end users they need to verify their CPE equipment and avoid a referral to CTL altogether. Reduces overall cost to the Customer and/or CTL. The following example is based on hypothetical numbers. Example: Based on a customer submitting 175 tickets a month that are closed to Non-CTL reasons, such as CPE/IEC/TOK. Assume a 70% RTA rate = 123 tickets that are testable via CST. Using a 5 min per ticket handling duration; 5 min x 123 tickets = 615 minutes (10.25Hrs) per month x12 = 123 hours a year spent working on those unnecessary tickets. Note: This benefit is multiplied when considering other customers that may have spent time on the same ticket. Reduces the repair cycle time to the End User by approximately 20-30 minutes per ticket. Reduces repair billing charges related to dispatches to the end user that result in CPE issues. Reduces the volume of tickets that may require the customer to authorize CTL to perform Optional Testing and therefore reduces the associated costs of Optional Testing.

Resource Information CEMR-MTG Online Help: http://www.centurylink.com/wholesale/systems/cemr_mtg_webhelp/Introduction.htm CEMR-MTG Training Course: Users may register for a self directed web-based course at the following URL http://www.centurylink.com/wholesale/training/wbt_cemr.html. CEMR-MTG Access: CEMR-MTG access requires a digital certificate. Digital certificate forms can be obtained from the CenturyLink Interconnect OSS Electronic Access PCAT at URL http://www.centurylink.com/wholesale/clecs/electronicaccess.html .