Atec JDSU-DSM-6300 - Manual (Page 5)

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DSAM-6300 DigitAl Service AnAlySiS Meter
Summary view quickly identifies overall
performance.
Test throughput to full DOCSIS 3.0 range.
Comprehensive Forward Path Analog and Digital Testing
With analog and digital testing combined in a single user interface, technicians
can select any specific channel or a scan of channels without having to differentiate
between analog or digital video, high-speed data, or voice. The active channel plan
functions as a meter configuration file as well as a channel lineup. An extensive selec-
tion of configuration elements establishes the type of tests that can be performed on a
particular channel for each channel in the plan. Channel plans also include Autotest
configurations for analog, digital, and DOCSIS services. Configurations are entered
either directly into the meter or through the JDSU TPP client/server application soft-
ware that manages channel plans and measurement files for a collection of DSAM
meters. Configurations can also be conveniently cloned from meter to meter.
Networks with a history of multiple ownership transitions and/or diverse hardware
architectures are not a problem for the DSAM-6300. Supervisors can create multi-
ple channel plans for a specified group of meters or one channel plan for the whole
network. The channel plans can be deployed with the ability to edit plan parameters
locked when needed. Specific plans are easily selected from Configure mode, or in
many cases, directly from within a measurement mode. After selecting an active plan,
technicians can check the top of the measurement screen to confirm that it is using
the correct plan. The channel plan name is included with any saved measurement file
for reference. Because Autotests are configured within a channel plan, multiple tests
can be run in a short period of time with only two button presses.
Return- and Forward-Path Testing and Maintenance
The cable plant is a two-way communication path. As a vital link between customer
premises equipment (CPE) and the CMTS, the return path must be aligned and kept
free of ingress and noise. With digital services, limiting noise and ingress becomes
even more important as service degradation moves quickly from tiling or bit errors to
catastrophic failure.
The DSAM-6300 is designed to test and maintain both forward and return paths.
With its ability to sweep, conduct signal level and quality measurements, as well as
analyze ingress and noise, it provides the optimal approach to maintaining a hybrid
fiber/coax (HFC) network.
DOCSIS Service Testing
As service providers face increasing competition, it is important to maintain a com-
petitive lead in data service throughput. The ability to offer higher data rates is a
differentiating advantage and improves a provider’s position as a preferred residential
or business data service operator. This advantage, along with the more-effective use of
valuable return-path spectrum, motivates service providers to migrate to DOCSIS 3.0
or to put this migration in their plans. To bolster the service provider’s reputation, it is
very important that new service offerings are of high quality and reliability, and testing
during installation and for system maintenance and troubleshooting is essential. The
DSAM DOCSIS 3.0 option lets technicians quickly and efficiently test bonded channel
performance, signal levels, MER (including headroom), BER, and throughput to full
range—eight downstream by four upstream channels. Other IP-related tests include
packet loss and ping. The DSAM-6300 has a built-in cable modem capable of perform-
ing quick and accurate DOCSIS 3.0 RF and IP testing, eliminating the need for a test
modem to verify cable modem connectivity or a computer to test the CPE connection.
Applications