PRIMARY SOURCE Archives | Page 3 of 4 |

Full Band Capture Revisited

By Ron Hranac – Anomaly detection and classification algorithms are available through CableLabs, and are built into commercially available PNM tools

Radio Frequency

By Ron Hranac – The cable industry has used RF in its networks for decades, but if someone were to ask you to explain RF, how would you answer?

By Ron Hranac – Skin effect in metallic conductors is an important part of the coaxial cable portions of our networks. Skin effect ensures our radio frequency (RF) signals stay inside of the cables and other components — assuming the shielding is intact, of course. Skin effect is also a major factor in coaxial cable attenuation and is a key reason why attenuation increases as the frequency increases.

Understanding Band Splits In Two Way Networks

By Ron Hranac — The earliest cable networks were one-way — that is, signals could be transmitted only from the cable operator’s headend to the subscriber. Those one-way networks worked well for delivering primarily video services. When two-way technology was developed to support interactive services.

A Quick Look at S-Parameters

By Ron Hranac — Unless you’re involved with the use of specialized test equipment such as VNAs, S-parameters are likely something you’ve never heard of. At least, perhaps, until recently. In the world of full duplex (FDX) DOCSIS, the S-parameter “S11” is commonly used when discussing an FDX node’s echo cancellation operation.

Long Loop ALC

By Ron Hranac — A surprising amount of behind-the-scenes interaction occurs between Data-Over-Cable Interface Service Specifications (DOCSIS®) cable modems and the cable modem termination system (CMTS). One important process is called station maintenance.

Total Power and Power Spectral Density

By Ron Hranac — Two RF power-related parameters that can cause confusion are total power (also called total composite power) and power spectral density (PSD). Grab a cup of coffee and a scientific calculator.

How Adaptive Equalization Works

By Ron Hranac — Let’s first look at the concept of equalization from the perspective of a cable distribution network. As you know, in a given length of coaxial cable higher frequencies are attenuated more than lower frequencies.

Signal Leakage Field Strength

By Ron Hranac — Cable operators for decades have dealt with the monitoring and measurement of signal leakage field strength. But just what is field strength?

Two-way Splitters: A Peek Under the Hood

By Ron Hranac — In this second installment of a three-part article, the discussion about measurement of downstream RF signal levels continues.