Abstract: Non-disruptive sweep measurements using low power coherent signals overcome the limitations of prior art frequency response systems for cable networks. Modulated or unmodulated, e.g. continuous wave (CW), test signals are transmitted into the network at a first or input point (input point is in the head end for forward sweep; input point is in the field for reverse sweep). The test signals are transmitted continuously at multiple frequencies, so as a composite they form a wideband, OFDM-like (orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing) waveform. A receiver at a second or output point generates power reading measurements, from which the frequency response of the network is produced.

Abstract: Methods and devices for characterization of repetitious noise in cable networks are disclosed. A frequency band of interest is identified, a time trace of a signal parameter within the frequency band is obtained, and an autocorrelation of the time trace is computed to detect repetitious noise. The repetition frequency can serve as an indicator of the noise source type, and thus it can assist in noise segmentation.

Abstract: Non-disruptive sweep measurements using low power coherent signals overcome the limitations of prior art frequency response systems for cable networks. Modulated or unmodulated, e.g. continuous wave (CW), test signals are transmitted into the network at a first or input point (input point is in the head end for forward sweep; input point is in the field for reverse sweep). The test signals are transmitted continuously at multiple frequencies, so as a composite they form a wideband, OFDM-like (orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing) waveform. A receiver at a second or output point generates power reading measurements, from which the frequency response of the network is produced.

Abstract: Non-disruptive sweep measurements using low power coherent signals overcome the limitations of prior art frequency response systems for cable networks. Modulated or unmodulated, e.g. continuous wave (CW), test signals are transmitted into the network at a first or input point (input point is in the head end for forward sweep; input point is in the field for reverse sweep). The test signals are transmitted continuously at multiple frequencies, so as a composite they form a wideband, OFDM-like (orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing) waveform. A receiver at a second or output point generates power reading measurements, from which the frequency response of the network is produced.

Abstract: Methods and devices for characterization of repetitious noise in cable networks are disclosed. A frequency band of interest is identified, a time trace of a signal parameter within the frequency band is obtained, and an autocorrelation of the time trace is computed to detect repetitious noise. The repetition frequency can serve as an indicator of the noise source type, and thus it can assist in noise segmentation.

Abstract: Methods and devices for characterization of repetitious noise in cable networks are disclosed. A frequency band of interest is identified, a time trace of a signal parameter within the frequency band is obtained, and an autocorrelation of the time trace is computed to detect repetitious noise. The repetition frequency can serve as an indicator of the noise source type, and thus it can assist in noise segmentation.

Abstract: Non-disruptive sweep measurements using low power coherent signals overcome the limitations of prior art frequency response systems for cable networks. Modulated or unmodulated, e.g. continuous wave (CW), test signals are transmitted into the network at a first or input point (input point is in the head end for forward sweep; input point is in the field for reverse sweep). The test signals are transmitted continuously at multiple frequencies, so as a composite they form a wideband, OFDM-like (orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing) waveform. A receiver at a second or output point generates power reading measurements, from which the frequency response of the network is produced.

Abstract: A test device is disclosed having a display and a graphical user interface (GUI) that provides guidance to a user by displaying first and second icons for representing first and second actions to be taken by the test device upon selecting the first and the second icons, respectively, by the user. To provide the guidance to the user, the second icon has graphical features indicative of the current status of the first action. For cases where the first action is a test that failed, the second action is highlighted thereby guiding the user to take the second action in response to the failed test. At least one of the graphical features of the second icon is indicative of whether the second icon is currently selectable by the user.

Abstract: Ingress noise labeling tags are coupled into the signal path at various nodes of a cable network. The tags imprint a unique electric signature into a local ingress noise, making the noise identifiable at the headend of the network. In one embodiment, tags do not require external control signals to operate, the electrical response of the tags being determined by present and/or past magnitudes of the return path signal. Such tags can be made entirely passive, not requiring a control signal or an external source of electrical power.

Abstract: Methods and devices for characterization of repetitious noise in cable networks are disclosed. A frequency band of interest is identified, a time trace of a signal parameter within the frequency band is obtained, and an autocorrelation of the time trace is computed to detect repetitious noise. The repetition frequency can serve as an indicator of the noise source type, and thus it can assist in noise segmentation.

Abstract: A method and test instrument for performing a ranging measurement in a DOCSIS network, uses low cost and general purpose electronics instead of a DOCSIS chipset. A downstream CATV receiver, including a CATV tuner and QAM demodulator, accepts the downstream signals from a CMTS. The output of the demodulator is an MPEG transport stream containing DOCSIS signaling messages and data packets. Software algorithms running inside a suitable general purpose processor decode the MPEG transport stream to isolate signaling messages from the data packets. The signaling messages are used to determine the appropriate format and timing of ranging request messages for the CMTS. A burst generator generates the RF return path messages to be sent to the CMTS, using previously computed waveforms.

Abstract: Ingress noise labeling tags are coupled into the signal path at various nodes of a cable network. The tags imprint a unique electric signature into a local ingress noise, making the noise identifiable at the headend of the network. In one embodiment, tags do not require external control signals to operate, the electrical response of the tags being determined by present and/or past magnitudes of the return path signal. Advantageously, such tags can be made entirely passive, not requiring a control signal or an external source of electrical power.

Abstract: Use of direct sequence spread spectrum test signals injected at the same time and frequency of active network services to perform non-interfering measurements in the forward and reverse path of a CATV plant. Ideally, a plurality of transmitters, each transmitting a test signal with a unique spreading code, whereby multiple overlapping test signals are received simultaneously at the receiver (CDMA).

Abstract: The invention is a method of measuring the RF losses among home wiring endpoints using battery-powered “remotes” placed at each accessible endpoint in the home. The remotes use a low power, ad hoc networking technology, e.g. Zigbee, Z-wave, to connect to one another over the home wiring, rather than over the air via antennas as in typical applications of these technologies.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for identifying and locating points of impairment in a cable plant, such as that used for cable television (CATV). The methods utilize both known characteristics of signals as well as propagation times in free space and within the cable in conjunction with accurate determination of locations at which measurements are taken. The methods can be applied to both RF cable leaks as well as points of ingress of interference.

Abstract: A test device is disclosed having a display and a graphical user interface (GUI) that provides guidance to a user by displaying first and second icons for representing first and second actions to be taken by the test device upon selecting the first and the second icons, respectively, by the user. To provide the guidance to the user, the second icon has graphical features indicative of the current status of the first action. For cases where the first action is a test that failed, the second action is highlighted thereby guiding the user to take the second action in response to the failed test. At least one of the graphical features of the second icon is indicative of whether the second icon is currently selectable by the user.

Abstract: Use of direct sequence spread spectrum test signals injected at the same time and frequency of active network services to perform non-interfering measurements in the forward and reverse path of a CATV plant. Ideally, a plurality of transmitters, each transmitting a test signal with a unique spreading code, whereby multiple overlapping test signals are received simultaneously at the receiver (CDMA).

Abstract: The invention is a method of measuring the RF losses among home wiring endpoints using battery-powered “remotes” placed at each accessible endpoint in the home. The remotes use a low power, ad hoc networking technology, e.g. Zigbee, Z-wave, to connect to one another over the home wiring, rather than over the air via antennas as in typical applications of these technologies.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for identifying and locating points of impairment in a cable plant, such as that used for cable television (CATV). The methods utilize both known characteristics of signals as well as propagation times in free space and within the cable in conjunction with accurate determination of locations at which measurements are taken. The methods can be applied to both RF cable leaks as well as points of ingress of interference.