It is highly efficient to proactively and accurately detect, test and diagnose any issues at the before installation, but also at the point of installation. This can help reduce operational cost like unnecessary truck rolls for service calls that could have otherwise been performed prior, remotely or avoided altogether. Three key things to test are:
- Cable signal – the radio frequency (RF) signals transmitted through coaxial cables, or light pulses through fiber-optic cables.
- Spectrum – the frequency or channel that the cable signal travels over and the Internet speed.
- Insertion loss – the strength of the signal across the entire cable system (cable plant).
Technicians should be testing these three things upon receiving the cabling and connectors, as well as at every installation and service to remain efficient and ahead of issues.
Running tests & the tools to use
You can use Hitron’s suite of detection, diagnostic, and monitoring tools to easily run these tests.
Hitron’s offerings include:
- Hitron’s CGN-DP3 wireless handheld DOCSIS 3.1 meter
- Hitron’s CSN-01 signal meter
- Hitron’s ProMeter app
Hitron’s CSN-01 is a signal meter that induces signal to the home cabling to detect signals emanating from the Cable Plant. The CSN-01 communicates its results to Hitron’s ProMeter app which also controls the CGN-DP3 wireless hand-held DOCSIS 3.1 meter.
The CGN-DP3 is a powerful, yet cost-efficient troubleshooting tool that conducts all major tests required to measure both DOCSIS and DVB-C network. Everything is combined into one device to simplify cable connectivity testing and troubleshooting, as well as a DOCSIS 3.1/3.0/2.0/1.1 compliant cable modem to ensure interoperability with existing cable systems. When combined with Hitron’s ProMeter app, you gain complete detailed access to all of the CGN-DP3’s functions using your existing smartphone or tablet. And because it is handheld, it’s efficient to use on-site or back at the plant.
Hitron’s tools make it easy to get ahead of issues and avoid unnecessary operational costs down the line by proactively detecting insertion loss issues at installation and diagnosing problems on the spot.