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CLEARPath’s
combination of modules and its compatibility with all major spectrum analyzers
puts it in a class all its own as a fully integrated technology solution
for ingress management.
CLEARPath’s
combination of modules and its compatibility with all major spectrum analyzers
puts it in a class all its own as a fully integrated technology solution
for ingress management.
 CIM
(CLEARPath Ingress Management) Software: Using a graphical user interface,
the CIM software works with the TPS (Test Point Selector), and a spectrum
analyzer to continuously monitor the return band from the headend or the
hub on a 24/7 basis. With its auto-search function, CIM has the capability
of automatically scanning all the nodes in the cable network using the
TPS. When it finds ingress in a node, it continues to search within that
area to locate the problem down to a specific distribution leg.
 Control
Unit: This unit can be used with Electroline's Addressable Tap System
and CLEARPath System. It works with the CIM software to control the TPS
monitoring unit and the status of the CPMs in the field.
 Spectrum
Analyzer (or other noise monitoring device): CLEARPath’s open
architecture makes it uniquely compatible for use with all major analyzers.
 TPS
(Test Point Selector): Each TPS is a 16:1 electronic multiplexer that
can be configured to monitor a virtually unlimited number of nodes from
any test point in a headend or hub. It remotely routes RF signals from
selected test points of the fiber optic receivers to the spectrum analyzer.
Once it detects ingress in a specific node, it automatically generates
an alarm at the headend.
 CPM
(CLEARPath Module): The CPM is a field switchable module that can
turn the upstream path to ON,OFF, or 6 dB attenuation. The switching is
monitored from the headend using the CIM software. This process locates
the source of the offending ingress in a particular distribution leg and
then deeper into a specific section of th cable network to find the exact
source of the ingress.
Locating
Ingress with CLEARPath:
Current detection methods rely on a process that can take from several
hours to days. With Electroline’s CLEARPath solution, this process
is now reduced to minutes. CLEARPath performs end-to-end system
monitoring to quickly detect and locate the source of ingress. In addition,
it keeps the return path functional and the network operational while
the damage is being repaired, without disrupting subscriber services.
CLEARPath
incorporates a combination of modules where each one plays a key role
in the ingress location process:
- Using a graphical user interface, the CIM software works with the
Test Point Selector or TPS, and a spectrum analyzer to continuously
monitor the return band from the headend or the hub.
- Using its auto-search function, CIM automatically scans all of the
nodes in the network using the TPS (a 16 to 1 electronic multiplexer).
- The TPS remotely routes RF signals from selected test points of the
fiber optic receivers to the spectrum analyzer, and can monitor a virtually
unlimited number of nodes.
- Once it detects ingress in a specific node, it automatically generates
an alarm at the headend.
- In response to the alarm, a technician uses the CIM software to observe
changes in the identified node while switching the CLEARPath modules
located in the upstream path.
- The ingress is located through a process of elimination where the
modules attenuate the return path signal by 6dB.
- Depending on how the attenuation affects the ingress, the technician
determines which coaxial distribution leg is the source of the offending
ingress.
- Next, additional modules located in the offending leg are also switched
to narrow down the search and to find ingress in a very specific area
of the network.
- In the case of extreme ingress, the OFF position on the CLEARPath
module can be used to completely isolate the offending section, thereby
restoring service to the remaining areas of the node.
- A technician can then be dispatched directly to the source of the
problem.
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Overview
