Diagnostic methods for twisted pair telephone lines based on line data distribution analysis

Methods and systems for twisted pair telephone line diagnostics based on patterns of line data occurring over time. An observed data distribution is classified as periodic or based on modeled distributions previously determined to correspond to a known line activity, fault type, or fault location. A disruption or parameter value pattern is classified through statistical inference of operational and performance data collected from the line. Where the disruption and/or parameter value(s) correlate with a time the customer is at the customer premises, an inference is made that the line fault causing the disruption is more likely at the CPE than at the Central Office. Where the disruption distribution is classified as being a result of human activities initiated on the line, a fault condition associated with the activity is inferred. Where a disruption pattern is correlated with human initiated plain old telephone service (POTS), a micro-filter problem is inferred for the line.