Abstract: A system and method for testing a portion of a cable network provides a pattern generator, addresser, forward error corrector, and comparator. The system and method is particularly adapted to testing the upstream channel in a cable network. The pattern generator generates a test signal. The addresser addresses the signal to a known server and also instructs the known server to return the test signal to the test system. The forward error corrector corrects errors introduced in the test signal in transmission from the known server to the test system. The comparator then compares the returned test signal to the originally transmitted test signal to determine the performance of the back channel. Preferably, the comparator uses a bit error rate test to determine the performance of the back channel.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the upstream and downstream channels of a cable modem system, using a cable modem or cable modem status monitoring transponder. With additional software, a central monitoring computer and a field cable modem or field cable modem status monitoring transponder, this invention provides a means of monitoring the upstream and downstream path's performance. By utilizing hardware already existing in cable modems or cable modem status monitoring transponders, this invention monitors the upstream and downstream continuously for lost packets, and the downstream channel continuously for Modulation Error Ratio (MER), Bit Error Rate (BER) and carrier level. The system notifies cable system personnel when problems exist in either the upstream or downstream channels so that technicians may be dispatched to the field quickly to effect repair.