DOCSIS measurement mode analyzes the digital performance of user-selected DOCSIS channels to verify downstream/upstream connectivity. Only DOCSIS channels defined in the downstream (forward path) channel plan are available for DOCSIS measurement testing.

NOTE:
The DOCSIS configuration selection box located within the CONFIGURE > MEASURE > OTHER SETTINGS screen must have "Registration with CPE initialization" selected to perform and display DOCSIS measurement mode data.

Follow these steps to configure your meter for DOCSIS testing:

1) Use the arrow keys to highlight the channel you prefer on the SELECT A DOCSIS CHANNEL TO TEST screen, press Next softkey.

The DOCSIS CONFIGURATION screen is displayed.

2) On the DOCSIS CONFIGURATION screen, use the arrow keys to select the ENTER A NEW CABLE MODEM MAC ADDRESS text field and use the alphanumeric keypad to type your entry, press ENTER to complete the edit.

OR

3) On the DOCSIS CONFIGURATION screen, use the arrow keys to select the SELECT AN EXISTING MAC ADDRESS field, press ENTER and use the arrow keys to highlight the MAC address you prefer, press ENTER.

4) On the DOCSIS CONFIGURATION screen, use the arrow keys to select the DOCSIS SECURITY MODE field, press ENTER and use the arrow keys to highlight the security setting you prefer, press ENTER.

5) On the DOCSIS CONFIGURATION screen, use the arrow keys to select the DOCSIS VERSION field, press ENTER and use the arrow keys to highlight the DOCSIS version you prefer, press ENTER.


Softkeys

Three softkeys on the CABLE MODEM MAC ADDRESS screen provide the following options:

START

Initialize the DOCSIS testing after a MAC address is selected or entered by pressing the Start softkey.

CANCEL

Exit the CABLE MODEM MAC ADDRESS screen without selecting or entering a MAC address and to return to the SELECT A DOCSIS CHANNEL TO TEST screen by pressing the Cancel softkey.

DEFAULT

Select the roving MAC address as the default MAC address by pressing the Default softkey.

The flashing indicator boxes on the TEST IN PROGRESS screen indicate whether the test is channel searching, acquiring data, or ranging.

Flashing Indicator Boxes

The first step of the DOCSIS test process is to tune to and measure the attributes of the downstream DOCSIS channel. This is indicated by a gray/white flashing box located to the left of the activity name. The first text displayed is "loading DOCSIS application" followed by "locking on to downstream" then "analyzing downstream". When that activity is complete, the box is black and the displayed text is "DOCSIS channel found".

The second step captures the system timing (SYNCs), upstream channel information (UCDs), and time slots (MAPs). This is indicated by a gray/white flashing box located to the left of the activity name "acquiring upstream channel data". When that activity is complete, the box is black and the displayed text is "upstream channel data acquired".

The third step establishes the optimum cable modem transmitter output power level through a process defined in the DOCSIS specification. This is indicated by a gray/white flashing box located to the left of the activity name "ranging with CMTS". When that activity is complete, the box is black and the displayed text is "ranging complete".

The forth step establishes registration activities for the cable modem as defined by the DOCSIS specification. This is indicated by a gray/white flashing box located to the left of the activity name. The first text displayed is "connecting to DHCP server" followed by "connected to DHCP server" then "registering with CMTS" and "connecting to TFTP server" then "connected to TFTP server". When the activity is complete, the box is black and the displayed text is "registration complete".

When the entire DOCSIS test process is complete, the TEST COMPLETE screen appears with detailed results for the channel being tested. (See the DOCSIS Help System section entitled "Interpreting Ranging Results" for more information about the ranging test.)

NOTE:
You can terminate the DOCSIS test process at any time by pressing the Stop soft key.

Softkeys

Four softkeys on the DOCSIS - TEST COMPLETE screen provide the following options:

FILE

Save or print a completed test. You also can open an existing DOCSIS measurement file to compare previously collected data. Use the arrow keys to choose the menu item you prefer and press ENTER to make your selection.

VIEW

Select one of the following functions you prefer - Restart, Table View, Graph View, Registration, Throughput, Packet Loss, or Ping. Use the arrow keys to choose the menu item you prefer and press ENTER to make your selection.

LIMITS

Select the set of measurement limits you prefer - Off, Cable Modem, Ground Block, Tap, or TV. Or select Edit to access the CONFIGURE MEASURE - LIMIT SETS configuration screen, where you can edit limit-set parameters to meet your needs. Use the arrow keys to choose the menu item you prefer and press ENTER to make your selection. NOTE: When you select Edit, the limit-set parameters you define will remain constant in all channel plans and measurement modes.

SETTINGS

Select Channel Plans to choose an alternate channel plan or to edit the configuration of the existing plan.
Use the arrow keys to choose the menu item you prefer and press ENTER to make your selection.