Abstract: System and method for providing a multi-frequency upstream transmission channel to a network device. When a headend network entity generates an upstream channel descriptor message, the descriptor message includes at least two upstream frequencies available for upstream transmission, and a frequency hopping descriptor with a frequency-hopping pattern associated with the available frequencies for determining an upstream frequency for upstream transmission. The headend provides a timing reference for determining upstream transmission periods on the frequencies available on the network device. When the headend receives upstream transmission on one of the available upstream frequencies, the headend network entity determines frequency distortions. If the distortions exceed a threshold level, the headend may send a new upstream channel descriptor message that excludes the upstream frequency associated with the high frequency distortions, add a new upstream frequency, or defines a new frequency-hopping pattern.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for testing and diagnosing a cable modem termination system, using a hand-held computing device. The hand-held computing device establishes a connection with the cable modem termination system through a wireless infrared and radio frequency connection, a serial, or a local area network connection. After the connection is established, a set of commands residing in the hand-held device are transmitted to configure the cable modem termination system. The cable modem termination system sends back a response that is displayed on a command screen of the hand-held device to identify status and error messages. A cable modem termination system operator can send a set of configuration instructions to the cable modem termination system by utilizing stored sets of configuration instructions. Using the hand-held device allows easy accessibility in remote locations with limited space for diagnostics and equipment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved mounting for stacking modem devices. Each mounting includes stacking feet and stacking slots that permit the mountings to be securely stacked on top of one another. Each mounting is configured to receive a modem device. Each mounting also includes connectors configured to interconnect with corresponding connectors of the modem device. For instance, each mounting and the modem have interconnecting power connections, RJ-45 connections, cable connections, and serial data connections. The modem devices can be slid into place for testing, initialization or installation without disassembling the stack. The present invention also provides configuring the mountings so the multiple modem devices can be connected back to back and communicating without a hybrid fiber/coax network connection.