Troubleshooting Optical Node Performance
Translated by
ScribdTranslationsTroubleshooting Optical Node Performance
Translated by
ScribdTranslationsSteps to Ensure Correct Light and RF Levels
Subdirectorate of Service Assurance
Problem Solving in Optical Nodes
An optical Node in an HFC (Hybrid Fiber Coaxial) network has the function of converting signals.
optics carried over fiber optics and convert them into radio frequencies (RF) to introduce them into the
coaxial network.
The history of optical Nodes dates back to the late 80s when cable operators
they discovered that installing these Nodes could reduce long cascades of amplifiers and
at the same time it will improve the quality and availability of the signal in the network. From the beginning it
They designed the HFC networks with 2000 houses, however today with the Fiber Deep configuration the
nodes serve only 125 homes. In addition to this, today nodes allow for
operators have bandwidths of 1 GHz and beyond, with this it can support hundreds
of video, voice (telephony), and high-speed internet channels as well as residential services and
business
This means that the nodes are more complex than ever, with transmitters and receivers.
multiplexing the signals both in Upstream and Downstream.
When a Node is not functioning properly, the signal quality is affected. The state
intermittent LED lights, red or black inside the Node is a sure sign that the device
It is not working properly. Tom Gorman, industry veteran, former President of the
SCTE, Founder/President of opXL, LLC., suggests some TIPS for troubleshooting in the
Node.
Step One
Provide the correct power
If the internal source of the node is not operating correctly, it can cause HUM, intermittency or
signal problems. The Power Supply converts 60 or 90 VAC to 24, 12, 5, and 3.3 VDC, the technician
It must ensure that both the input and output voltages are correct.
Test Point Tolerance
AC 60 to 90 VAC
24 VDC 22.8 to 25.2 VDC
12 VDC 10.8 to 13.4 VDC
5 VDC 4.75 to 5.25 VDC
3.3 VDC 3.15 to 3.45 VDC
Steps to Ensure Correct Light and RF Levels
Subdirectorate of Service Assurance
Step Two
Check Input Optical Power Levels
The Nodes have several points for signal level control, for establishment
of parameters and tests. The optical power points (DC) allow the monitoring of the
levels at the receiver without service suspension.
The level tests are performed with a voltmeter. The optimal power of a node is 0dBm or 1.
milliwatt (mW)
In the new nodes, a measurement of 2V is sufficient to trigger a high power alarm.
optics, if this happens it could be solved by adding an attenuator. On the other hand, a measurement
0.5 V or less will result in low optical power, which will trigger an alarm. This
it may be an indication of a problem in the fiber or a laser with greater power is required.
It is also not certain that correcting the high or low levels of optical power is a
solution to potential problems, changes in the Headend can cause issues
Passengers. The technician must correlate the data to see if this is the case.
Steps to Ensure Correct Light and RF Levels
Subdirectorate of Service Assurance
Step Three
Ensure the proper functioning of the Optical Receiver (AR)
The Optical Receiver inside the node demodulates the signals from the optical fiber to supply RF.
to the amplification stages. The signal is transmitted from the CRC or HUB (RF) it is supposed to be
Plan, the technician can have access to an RF point to determine that the signal is still
plan when it arrives at the Node.
This is necessary for the RF levels in the amplification stage to be correct, without
create additional noises or distortions while the node is operating, they must be checked
manufacturer specifications for proper operation, if the levels are not within
It must be checked that the correct attenuator has been installed; if it determines that it has not,
In this case, the receiver may be affecting the RF levels and replacement may be necessary.
of this.
It is important to verify that the correct attenuator is installed.
Step Four
Find and repair bent or attenuated fiber (Service Cable)
If the fiber (service cable) in the node is not correct
installed could bend or be crushed when the case
closed sea, it is also possible that at the moment of opening
the casing hurts the fiber, this can cause the
loss of some dBs or a complete cut.
Steps to Ensure Correct Light and RF Levels
Deputy Directorate of Service Assurance
Step five
Verify with Headend
The problems with the header could cause optical levels to be out of range. It's where
find the optical transmitters. They must be configured correctly to provide a
quality signal for the node. If the configuration is correct, they must transmit the same
amount of RF for all equipment. This is because the entire spectrum must reach the node with
a flat signal can achieve a balance, if it is too high the laser may
if the transmitter is overloaded, or if the signal-to-noise ratio is very low, it will be affected.
To determine if the signals are configured correctly, an analyzer could be used.
of spectrum at the headend and a technician in the field just to ensure the levels. It is also good.
Idea to compare the MER of the header with that of the node.
Ensure communication with CRC in case of optical levels out of range
Step six
Remember: Clean connectors Clean signals
There are locations where there are connectors, the patch panel in CRC, the input port for the
transmitter, receiver, and the same node, the connector interfaces can become contaminated due to
Insertion and extraction, dust, humidity, and vibrations lead to poor performance.
Since the core of a fiber is just 9 microns in diameter. Even particles
Microscopic particles can reduce the performance of a connector. A technician checks the
contamination with an endoscope, this test should be performed when it is found
disconnected, it cannot be live as there is a risk of eye injury.
Steps to Ensure Correct Levels of Light and RF
Subdirectorate of Service Assurance
If particles are discovered, the fiber must be cleaned using a cleaning kit. (If a
the microscope is not available and there is an optical problem, the technician must clean the fiber and
recheck
Clean connectors are the key
Step seven
Setting the slope
The slope is the frequency response of all amplified signals for transmission to
through the coaxial cable. Because the attenuation at high frequencies is greater than at the
low frequencies.
For a network at 860 MHz, the typical slope is 12 dB, for example, when a node operates at 1
At GHz, the slope must be 14.5 dB, at this instance the highest frequency must have 14.5 dB.
more than the lower. If the slope and the gain are correct, the node will provide a good signal
to our clients.
Steps to Ensure Correct Light and RF Levels
Subdirectorate of Service Assurance
The slope must be higher at high frequencies than at low ones.
Step eight
Check the Upstream
While the Downstream at the node converts from optical signal to electrical (RF), it occurs the
opposite in the upstream. RF signals are converted to optical for transmission to the
header. The technician must ensure that the RF transmission levels are correct
and that the laser output is within specifications.
These steps will help you ensure that all levels of light and RF are correct. Like
As a result, the node will operate optimally and customers will receive the quality of service that
they wait.