The present invention provides a method and apparatus for performing line qualification
tests, and binning the results of such testing. The lines are tested to determine
or estimate various characteristics of the line. Physical characteristics of the
line may be estimated (e.g. line length, line gauge, insertion loss). The presence
of devices on the line such as load coils, bridged taps, terminations and the like
may also be determined. A prediction of the data rate the loop can support is made
from the measured and estimated line conditions. The results are binned according
to certain criteria and to provide an easily discernable status of the line. The
binning can be performed by a computer using software designed specifically for
this purpose. The binned results may include a first category indicating the line
cannot support a certain level of high speed access. The binned results may also
include a second category indicating the line can support a certain level of high
speed access. The results may also include a third category indicating the line
cannot currently support a certain level of high speed access but would be able
to upon removal of an impediment. A fourth category indicating the characteristics
of the selected line fall outside the area of coverage of the test system may also
be included. Each category may be assigned a respective color in order to make
the status of the line easily discernable. The testing and binning may be performed
for a variety of different high speed access levels. Customers can be charged different
rates dependent upon the level of service made available to them.