0 frequently asked questions – Alpha Technologies AlphaNet DSM Series DOCSIS User Manual
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745-814-B0-001, Rev. A
11.0 Frequently Asked Questions
How is power supply data accessed from the XP-DSM?
The XP-DSM uses Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) to provide power supply data and
access to the transponder settings through the network. Management Information Base (MIB) files
must be compiled into the SNMP software to provide a map of the data and settings. See
. The Society of Cable Television Engineers (SCTE) created a standard for monitoring power
supply data. They developed MIB files that provide standard locations for power supply and generator
data. These MIB files are available at the SCTE web site http://www.scte.org/home.cfm. Alpha has
also created a MIB file ATI-TABLES-MGMT-MIB.mib for managing the XP-DSM and for accessing
power supply data and settings that are not covered by the SCTE standards. The Alpha MIB can be
accessed through the Alpha website, or by calling technical support.
With which monitoring software packages is the XP-DSM compatible?
The XP-DSM is designed around the SCTE standards and should work with any SNMP management
software that can monitor the SNMP MIB variables defined within the standard.
Can XP-DSM settings and power supply data be accessed from the front of the power supply?
There is a local port on the front of the XP-DSM that allows a user to access power supply and
transponder data and settings using a laptop or PC. A special Local Port Adapter (Alpha P/N 745-826-
21) must be used to interface between the computer and XP-DSM. Free emulator software such as
HyperTerminal or Terminal is used for this local connection. See
What is the difference between Single IP and Dual IP Modes?
By default, the XP-DSM operates in Single IP Mode, which means that the power supply data is
only available through the modem’s IP address. This allows the XP-DSM to be managed within the
secure modem network. The XP-DSM can be configured to operate in Dual IP Mode, where a second
IP address is assigned on the CPE (public) network. This allows power supply data and XP-DSM
settings to be available from any place on the public network. See
Why are there two MAC Addresses on the XP-DSM?
There are two MAC Addresses on the XP-DSM, the RF MAC and the CPE MAC. The RF MAC
Address is associated with the cable modem and is the only MAC Address required for operation
in Single IP Mode (default). The CPE MAC Address is used for operation in Dual IP Mode when a
second IP address is provided for access to data on the public network. See
Does the XP-DSM’s modem need to be specially provisioned?
The XP-DSM’s RF MAC Address is the network address of its cable modem. The RF MAC Address
must be provisioned as a standard cable modem and must allow a CPE connection. See
and
.
Where are the firmware versions displayed?
There are two components of the XP-DSM assembly that require firmware, the cable modem and the
DSM transponder.
Cable Modem: The cable modem firmware information is located via SNMP through sysDescr at OID:
1.3.6.1.2.1.1.1
DSM (HMS) Firmware: The firmware for the DSM code can be found through any of the following
locations: