A method of estimating a defect location within a network is provided. Information of pre-equalization coefficients of an adaptive pre-equalizer of a terminal network element on the network is received. A total amount of equalization applied by a negative delay portion of the adaptive pre-equalizer relative to a main tap level and a total amount of equalization applied by a positive delay portion of the adaptive pre-equalizer relative to the main tap level is determined. The terminal network element is determined as being affected by a defect if at least one of the total amount of equalization applied by the negative or positive delay portions relative to the main tap level is at an unacceptable level. If a defect is identified, a location of the defect is estimated differently depending upon whether the negative or positive delay portion of the adaptive pre-equalizer applies the greatest amount of equalization.