1. A method for estimating a DSL system test loop configuration, the method comprising: collecting operational data from a DSL system test loop comprising a first DSL transceiver at a near end of the test loop and a second DSL transceiver at a far end of the test loop, wherein the operational data is a result of transmissions between the first and second transceiver; generating a test loop parameter vector from the collected operational data, wherein the test loop parameter vector comprises one or more loop-dependent parameter values, further wherein the test loop parameter vector includes parameters directly collected or derived from the operational data; selecting a reference parameter vector corresponding to a reference loop configuration, wherein the reference parameter vector includes reference values characterizing the presence or absence of a condition on a hypothetical or ideal loop free from the condition, wherein the condition is a bridged tap or the condition is a bad splice; comparing the test loop parameter vector and the reference parameter vector; and detecting the condition on the test loop, based on the comparison between the test loop parameter vector and the reference parameter vector.