2.0 inTroduCTion
In a DOCSIS 3.0 (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) environment, the upstream bandwidth be
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comes crowded with wider and higher order QAM modulation carriers and channel bonding, leading to increased
impairment sensitivity. In addition, the increasing ubiquity of DOCSIS cable modems actually represents one of
the significant challenges for maintaining good plant health. The modems themselves can be serious interferers.
In order to take a truly ‘proactive’ vs. ‘reactive’ approach in network monitoring, it is important to first detect the
plant issues before it becomes significant enough to impact subscribers; then correlate the identified issue(s) to
the physical location(s) of the modems contributing harm to the cable plant
For the forward path HFC networks, with the evolution of Headends & Hubs, the validation, monitoring and FCC
tests have become significantly complicated. In contrast to old headend, modern headend system has now
hundreds of test points. This generates the need and ability to test / monitor many independent service groups
without degrading signals to be measured.
The CX380X Advanced Test Probe for Return and Forward Path monitoring, features advanced Spectrum Analy
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sis, QAM Health, and Burst QAM Demodulator capabilities. As part of VeEX’s VeSion system, the CX380X goes
beyond the bread and butter 24/7 monitoring of Return Path nodes’ noise levels against well-established alarm
thresholds. CX380X provides a series of expert measurements for detection of rogue cable modems, enabling
identification of potential network-affecting issues. The probe can also be used as a standalone on any existing
systems as an overlay. Ultimately, the real-time location of a rogue cable modem is identified, so that a field tech
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nician can be dispatched to deal with the problem.
CX380X can be added to VeEX CX380X probes network or can be used as a standalone solution to extend
its capabilities for advanced forward path monitoring, troubleshooting and auditing the performance of analog
and digital channels being transmitted downstream across CATV HFC network. Therefore, ensure the quality
of content with full confidence after modulation and combining at the cable edge, before the handoff to the HFC
network. This system offers unparalleled test and measurement performance and flexibility to monitor Analog
and Digital Broadcast, VoD / SDV, PPV, MPEG Analysis and FM Services. With built in low noise 10dB switch
gain RF input ports, it is an ideal solution to deploy for common laser test points
To summarize, together with VeSion, CX380X, CX180F and CX180R probes, CX380X offer modular, scalable
and distributed architecture for advanced Return and Forward path monitoring burst demodulation to capture
rouge cable modems, Headend Check, FCC proof, MPEG analysis, Ethernet Responder for business class ser
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vice needs. With flexible and distributed architecture, test point can be added any time for remote troubleshooting
and segmentation, without reducing the monitoring speed. Such proactive, preventative maintenance practices
maximize the effectiveness of the costly truck roll, yielding OPEX savings.
Page 4 of 14
CX380X Hardware Installation Guide D07-00-077P Rev. A00
