Abstract: The present methods and systems provide spectrum management for enhancing upstream performance for cable networks. According to one embodiment, a method of enhancing upstream performance in a cable network includes the steps of measuring performance of an upstream channel at a first data signaling rate; determining whether the upstream channel supports a second data signaling rate based on the performance; and selectively transitioning to the second data signaling rate based on said determination. The second data signaling rate is a higher rate than the first data signaling rate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating downstream frequency override in a data-over-cable system is described. In one example, a data-over-cable system having a plurality of cable modem termination system (CMTS) elements is described. Each of the CMTS elements includes demodulation logic configured to detect one of a plurality of native preambles in upstream transmissions. Each of the native preambles may include a first section having a unique pattern and a second section having an equalizer training sequence. A concatenated preamble is formed from each of the native preambles. The concatenated preamble may include a first section having the unique pattern of each of the native preambles in a sequence and a second section having an equalizer training sequence. A burst profile is formed having the concatenated preamble for each of the CMTS elements. The burst profile is transmitted from each of the CMTS elements to a plurality of cable modems.

Abstract: A spare receiver in a CMTS is used to non-invasively test the upstream signal quality of a network without disrupting a subscriber's operations. A modem registered with a receiver on the network is selected as a testing modem. The spare receiver is RF connected to the receiver and the testing modem is tuned to the spare receiver. The testing modem is used to test the signal quality of the network, such as by using a SNR test. The testing modem remains registered with the network during the testing operation. Other modems are prevented from registering with the spare receiver. If other modems attempt to register on the spare receiver, the system overrides their attempts and moves them back to another receiver. The testing modem is returned to its original receiver when testing is completed.

Abstract: The present methods and systems provide spectrum management for enhancing upstream performance for cable networks. According to one embodiment, a method of enhancing upstream performance in a cable network includes the steps of measuring performance of an upstream channel at a first data signaling rate; determining whether the upstream channel supports a second data signaling rate based on the performance; and selectively transitioning to the second data signaling rate based on said determination. The second data signaling rate is a higher rate than the first data signaling rate.