Upstream Power Level too high?
 

Just over a week ago my SACM (ntl:home 120) started to play up. It would randomly start flashing the SYNC & RDY lights & I would lose connection. While it was working, I looked at the config page & saw that the upstream power level was at it's maximum (61dBmV).

I phoned TS yesterday & had a visit this morning. The Tech connected his meter to the line & clicked on some buttons (I assume he was scrolling through the levels etc.). He said the levels need adjusting & went out to the green box.

After using his meter again, he said that it was ok, but looking at the config page, I am still getting an upstream power level of 61dBmV. The only thing that has changed is the downstream power level. It was around -7dBmV, & it is now around -5.3dBmV.

I cant see my connection being stable while it is operating at these levels.

Re: Upstream Power Level too high?
 

i thought the upsteam should be below 55

see here

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/sh...66&postcount=1

Re: Upstream Power Level too high?
 

61 is a problem because a) it's 3 over the supposed DOCSIS maximum and b) it can't go any higher, even on Ambits which are a bit loose about the spec. Hence any transitory need to go higher to retain connection cannot be met, resulting in instability. However it can be perfectly stable *at* 61.

Re: Upstream Power Level too high?
 

Yep. That's why I'm concerned that it is still 61dBmV.

I noticed that it was more likely to lose connection during cold weather. So I suppose I will have to see what happens tonight.

Perhaps the fault is with the modem & not the connection & that's why it didn't show up on the meter?

Out of interest, do those meters only check the line signals, or can they check the modem as well? I noticed that the tech also had a short F to F lead with him (for checking the modem perhaps?).

Re: Upstream Power Level too high?
 

Well, I was right. For the past week I have still been getting intermittent connection.

Had another Tech visit today. This time I left the modem configuration page open on the pc so that he could see the levels. Straight away he said the upstream power level was too high. After spending 10 - 15 mins at the green box, he said that a network engineer needs to be called out. He suspects that there may be a problem with one of the amplifiers, either in my local green box, or a nearby one.

He said it should be done today.

Re: Upstream Power Level too high?
 

Modem reset itself at around 3.45pm.

When I checked the levels, the upstream was 43dBmV.

They did what they promised. :tu:

Re: Upstream Power Level too high?
 

NTL are v. lucky to have a backup support team!