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SBG6400 (v1.3.x): Cable Signal Levels

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Question
What are the acceptable cable signal levels for the SBG6400 Gateway?
Answer
Cable signal levels for all DOCSIS cable modems require to be within the acceptable level for the modem operate properly.  The three signal levels that need to be within the acceptable level are Downstream Power, SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio), and Upstream Power.  Downstream Power refers to the line signal sent from the cable provider to cable modem.  Downstream SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) refers to the signal being sent in relation to the noise on the line.  Upstream Power refers to the line signal from the cable modem to transmit data back to the cable provider.  This document describes how to check the three signal levels to be within the acceptable level for the modem operate properly. 


Checking Signal Levels

  1. Launch a Firefox or Safari browser.  Enter http://192.168.0.1 into the address box, and press the Enter key.  

    NOTE: A browser message on Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Opera, may appear when accessing the Web Manager.  The message includes 192.168.01 uses an unsupported protocol and ERR_SSL_VERSION_OR_CIPHER_MISMATCH.  The Web Manager uses an earlier version of the TLS protocol and does not match the version allowed by the web browser.  Safari browsers on Apple PC and mobile devices are not impacted.  The workaround to access the Web Manager with a PC is to use the Firefox browser and set the TLS version to 1.  For workaround instructions refer to article # 19435 - 192.168.0.1 uses an unsupported protocol. 
     
  2. A security or private risk alert may appear on the web browser advising users to proceed with caution when accessing the Web Manager.  There is no risk in proceeding to the Web Manager.  For instructions to bypass the alert screen, refer to article # 18181 - Alert Message for Web Manager Access.
     
  3. On the Login page, enter admin or a customized username in the Username field.
     
  4. Enter password or a customized password in the Password field.

    NOTE: On later versions of the SBG6400, the Wi-Fi Security Key is used as the default admin password printed on the bottom white label.  For assistance with Web Manager Access, refer to article # 18730 – SBG6400: Web Manager Access.


    User-added image
     
  5. Click the Login button.  The Home page will appear.

    Right click on the image to save it to your computer.

     
  6. Move the mouse-cursor over Status on the main menu, and click the Connection link on the sub-menu.  The Status - Connection page will appear.
     
  7. In the Downstream Bonded Channels section, verify Power levels are within the acceptable range of - 15 dBmV to + 15 dBmV for each downstream channel. 

    User-added image

     
  8. In the Downstream Bonded Channels section, identify the Modulation and Power to find verify SNR levels are within the acceptable range for each downstream channel. 

    Acceptable SNR Levels (dB): 
    If QAM64, SNR should be 23.5 dB or greater. 
    If QAM256 and DPL( -6 dBmV to +15 dBmV) SNR should be 30 dB or greater. 
    If QAM256 and DPL(-15 dBmV to -6 dBmV) SNR should be 33 dB or greater.   

    Right click on the image to save it to your computer.

     
  9. In the Upstream Bonded Channels section, identify the number of Channels, Type, Symbolic Rate to find verify Upstream Power levels are within the acceptable range for each upstream channel. 

    Acceptable Upstream Power Levels (dBmV):

    Right click on the image to save it to your computer.

     
    Upstream Transmit Power Level
    ChannelUS Channel TypeSymbol RateAcceptable US Power Level
    Single
     
     
    TDMA1280 Ksym/sec+61 dBmV to 45 dBmV
    ATDMA2560 Ksym/sec+58 dBmV to 45 dBmV
    5120 Ksym/sec+57 dBmV to 45 dBmV
    TwoTDMA1280 Ksym/sec+58 dBmV to 45 dBmV
    ATDMA2560 Ksym/sec+55 dBmV to 45 dBmV
    5120 Ksym/sec+54 dBmV to 45 dBmV
    Three or moreTDMA1280 Ksym/sec+55 dBmV to 45 dBmV
    ATDMA2560 Ksym/sec+52 dBmV to 45 dBmV
    5120 Ksym/sec+51 dBmV to 45 dBmV
  10. Refresh the page at least twice to identify variations in SNR, Downstream Power, and Upstream Power.   

    NOTE: If the either of the signal levels are outside of the acceptable range, power cycle or factory reset the modem. 

     
  11. Contact the cable provider to adjust the signal level to the acceptable level range.

Acceptable Signal Levels
 
Recommended Max Downstream
Power Level (DPL)
Recommended Min Downstream
Power Level (DPL)
+15 dBmV-15 dBmV
Downstream Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR)
ModulationDownstream Power LevelAcceptable DS SNR
64 QAMn/a23.5 dB or greater
256 QAM
 
-6 dBmV to +15 BmV30 dB or greater
-6 dBmV to -15 dBmV33 dB or greater
Upstream Transmit Power Level
ChannelUS Channel TypeSymbol RateRecommended Max US Power LevelRecommended Min US Power Level
SingleTDMA1280 Ksym/sec+61 dBmV 45 dBmV
ATDMA2560 Ksym/sec+58 dBmV 45 dBmV
5120 Ksym/sec+57 dBmV 45 dBmV
TwoTDMA1280 Ksym/sec+58 dBmV 45 dBmV
ATDMA2560 Ksym/sec+55 dBmV 45 dBmV
5120 Ksym/sec+54 dBmV 45 dBmV
Three or moreTDMA1280 Ksym/sec+55 dBmV 45 dBmV
ATDMA2560 Ksym/sec+52 dBmV 45 dBmV
5120 Ksym/sec+51 dBmV 45 dBmV

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