Abstract: Set top boxes (STBs) connected to the HFC cable network are “pinged” and their responses recorded. The two most responsive STBs in each node of the HFC cable network are identified. The most responsive STB is added to a primary ping list and the next most responsive STB is added to a secondary ping list. The STBs on the primary list are “pinged” and their responses recorded. If an STB on the primary list fails to respond, the secondary STB associated with the node is pinged. If both the primary and secondary STB associated with a node fail to respond to the “ping,” the node is identified as non-responsive. If all of the nodes associated with a modulator (or a demodulator) are identified as non-responsive, the modulator (or demodulator) is identified as “non-responsive.” Additionally, network devices are pinged and their responses noted. Using the responsiveness of nodes and network devices, faults in segments in an HFC cable network can be identified and located.

Abstract: A fault detection and isolation system for an HFC cable network and method therefore. A ping list generator captures set top box (STB) identifying information from a billing system, and STB state information from a network control system. The ping list generator creates a ping list from the STB identifying information and the STB state information, wherein the list comprises the IP address of a set of the addressable STBs connected to an HFC cable network. In an exemplary embodiment, the set is of sufficient size to be representative of the health of the HFC cable network. In another embodiment of the present invention, the set comprises substantially all of the addressable STBs connected to the HFC cable network. A ping generator, pings the IP address of the STB and awaits a response. If the response is received from the STB, then identify the STB as responsive. If the response is not received, then identify the STB as non-responsive.

Abstract: Set top boxes (STBs) connected to the HFC cable network are “pinged” and their responses recorded. The two most responsive STBs in each node of the HFC cable network are identified. The most responsive STB is added to a primary ping list and the next most responsive STB is added to a secondary ping list. The STBs on the primary list are “pinged” and their responses recorded. If an STB on the primary list fails to respond, the secondary STB associated with the node is pinged. If both the primary and secondary STB associated with a node fail to respond to the “ping,” the node is identified as non-responsive. If all of the nodes associated with a modulator (or a demodulator) are identified as non-responsive, the modulator (or demodulator) is identified as “non-responsive.” Additionally, network devices are pinged and their responses noted. Using the responsiveness of nodes and network devices, faults in segments in an HFC cable network can be identified and located.