Estimates of a communication system configuration, such as a DSL system, are based on operational data collected from a network element management system, protocol, users and / or the like. The operational data collected from the system can include performance-characterizing operational data that typically is available in an ADSL system via element-management-system protocols. Generated estimates and / or approximations can be used in evaluating system performance and directly or indirectly dictating / requiring changes or recommending improvements in operation by transmitters and / or other parts of the communication system. Data and / or other information may be collected using “internal” means or may be obtained from system elements and components via email and / or other “external” means. The likelihood of a model's accuracy can be based on various data, information and / or indicators of system performance, such as observed normal operational data, test data and / or prompted operational data that shows operating performance based on stimulation signals. One example of such prompted data uses frequency carrier masks to approximate the Hlog of a given channel, including information regarding bridged taps, attenuation, etc.