Patent ID: 6425132
Filing Date: 2002-07-23
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A method of testing a CATV system having a headend facility that is coupled to a CATV distribution network that includes a plurality of nodes through which upstream signals are transmitted to the headend facility, comprising the steps of:a) receiving at said headend facility a first reverse telemetry signal transmitted by a first field client that is coupled to said CATV distribution network at a first location downstream from said headend facility; b) selecting at said headend facility a first test node from said plurality of nodes of said CATV distribution network based upon said first reverse telemetry signal; c) measuring first upstream signals from said first test node to obtain a first plurality of measurement values for said first upstream signals; and d) transmitting from said headend facility via said CATV distribution network, a forward telemetry signal that includes said first plurality of measurement values.