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SBG10: Cable Signal Levels

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Question
What are the acceptable cable signal levels for the SBG10 Gateway?
Answer
Cable signal levels for all DOCSIS cable modems need to be at acceptable levels for the modem operate properly.  The three signal levels that need to be within the acceptable level are Downstream Power, SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio), and Upstream Power.  Downstream Power refers to the line signal sent from the cable provider to cable modem.  Downstream SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) refers to the signal being sent in relation to the noise on the line.  Upstream Power refers to the line signal from the cable modem to transmit data back to the cable provider.  This document describes how to check the three signal levels to determine if they are within the acceptable level for the modem operate properly. 


Checking Signal Levels

  1. Launch a web browser, such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari.  Enter http://192.168.100.1 into the address box, and press the Enter key.  The Login page will appear.

    NOTE 1: A security or private risk alert may appear on the web browser advising users to proceed with caution when accessing the Web Manager.  There is no risk in proceeding to the Web Manager. For instructions to by-pass the alert screen, refer to article # 18181 - Alert Message for Web Manager Access.

    NOTE 2: A login page may appear to access the Web Manager.  Enter the default username admin in the Username field and enter the default password password in the Password field.  It may be required to set a unique password to proceed to the Web Manager.  For assistance with Web Manager Access, refer to article # 19221 – SBG10: First Time Accessing the Status Page.
     
  2. On the Login page, enter admin in the Username field.
     
  3. Enter password or a customized password in the Password field then click the Send button.  The Status page will appear. 

    User-added image
     
  4. In the Downstream section, verify Power levels are within the acceptable range of - 15 dBmV to + 15 dBmV for each downstream channel. 

    User-added image

     
  5. In the Downstream section, identify the Modulation and Power to verify SNR levels are within the acceptable range for each downstream channel. 
     
    Downstream Signal To Noise Ratio (SNR)
    ModulationPowerAcceptable SNR
    64QAM-15 to 15 dBmV23.5 dB or greater
    256QAM-6 to 15 dBmv30 dB or greater
    -15 to -6 dBmV33 dB or greater

    User-added image
     
  6. In the Upstream section, identify the number of Upstream Channels, Channel Type, and Symbolic Rate to verify the Power levels are within the acceptable range for each upstream channel. 
     
    Upstream Transmit Power Level
    ChannelUS Channel TypeSymbol RateAcceptable Upstream Power Levels
    Single
     
     
    TDMA1280 Ksym/sec45 dBmV to 61 dBmV
    ATDMA2560 Ksym/sec45 dBmV to 58 dBmV
    5120 Ksym/sec45 dBmV to 57 dBmV 
    TwoTDMA1280 Ksym/sec45 dBmV to 58 dBmV 
    ATDMA2560 Ksym/sec45 dBmV to 55 dBmV 
    5120 Ksym/sec45 dBmV to 54 dBmV 
    Three or moreTDMA1280 Ksym/sec45 dBmV to 55 dBmV 
    ATDMA2560 Ksym/sec45 dBmV to 52 dBmV
    5120 Ksym/sec45 dBmV to 51 dBmV
    Right click on the image to save it to your computer.
     
  7. Refresh the page at least twice to identify variations in SNR, Downstream Power, and Upstream Power.   

    NOTE: If the either of the signal levels are outside of the acceptable range, power cycle or factory reset the modem.  Factory resetting the modem will eliminate any customized settings.

     
  8. Contact the cable provider to adjust the signal level to the acceptable level range.

Acceptable Signal Levels
 
Acceptable Downstream Power Level
-15 dBmV to +15 dBmV
Downstream Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR)
ModulationDownstream PowerAcceptable Downstream SNR
64 QAMn/a23.5 dB or greater
256 QAM
 
-6 dBmV to +15 BmV30 dB or greater
-6 dBmV to -15 dBmV33 dB or greater
Upstream Transmit Power Level
ChannelUS Channel TypeSymbol RateAcceptable Upstream Power Levels
Single (1)TDMA1280 Ksym/sec45 dBmV to 61 dBmV 
ATDMA2560 Ksym/sec45 dBmV to 58 dBmV 
5120 Ksym/sec45 dBmV to 57 dBmV 
Two (2)TDMA1280 Ksym/sec45 dBmV to 58 dBmV 
ATDMA2560 Ksym/sec45 dBmV to 55 dBmV 
5120 Ksym/sec45 dBmV to 54 dBmV 
Three or more (>=3)TDMA1280 Ksym/sec45 dBmV to 55 dBmV 
ATDMA2560 Ksym/sec45 dBmV to 52 dBmV 
5120 Ksym/sec45 dBmV to51 dBmV 

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