[Sephiroth]

Irrespective of the possibility of congestion, we have to resolve the power levels.

On the UPSTREAM, it shouldn't require 55 dBmv to push through to the first active node - especially when your downstream power is so high. So something is very wrong with this imbalance. You should check the upstream again by refreshing it and seing if it tips over 55 dBmv. The SH is incapable of pushing out more than 58 dBmv and 55 dBmv is the increment setp before that. Basically there is no upstream headroom.

The DOWNSTREAM at c. 14 dBmv is too high IMO. My SH craps out at > 7dBmv as do many others.

So your power levels need to be bright under control. There is no tap point scenario at the street cabinet that would provide this power mismatch. The upstream issue could be anywhere; at the cabinet amplifier; at the optical node. If it's at either of those locations, then others in your street will have similar problems.

Once the upstream is fixed, that cause of high latency will have been removed and we can consider the question of congestion at your local node in Hayes.

HTH.