Consumers - SBG6580 (v8.5.x): Cable Signal Levels
FAQs

ARRIS Consumer Care

Article

SBG6580 (v8.5.x): Cable Signal Levels

« Go Back

Information

 
Question
What are the acceptable RF Signal levels for the SBG6580 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. 
 

To Verify Signal Levels

  1. Launch a web browser, such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari. Enter http://192.168.0.1 into the address box, and press the Enter key.  The Login page will appear.
     
  2. On the Login page, enter admin in the Username field.
     
  3. Enter motorola in the Password field.
     
  4. Click the Login button. The Home page will appear.

    NOTE: On firmware version 8.9.0.4 and later, the default admin password is required to be changed.  The Change User Password prompt will immediately appear after logging into the Web manager with the default admin password.  For assistance with the Change User Password screen, please refer to article # 18055 - SBG6580 (v.8.9.x): Prompt to Change Default Admin Login.
     
    Image

     
  5. Move the mouse-cursor over Status on the main menu, and click the Connection link from the sub-menu.  The Status - Connection page will appear.
     
  6.  In the Downstream Bonded Channels section, verify Power levels are within the acceptable range of - 15 dBmV to + 15 dBmV for each downstream channel. 
 
Right click on the image to save it to your computer.
 
  1. 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.

     
  2. 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 Upstream Power Levels
    Single
     
     
    TDMA1280 Ksym/sec45 dBmV to 61 dBmV 
    ATDMA2560 Ksym/sec45 dBmV to 58 dBmV
    5120 Ksym/sec45 dBmV to 57 dBmV 
    TwoTDMA1280 Ksym/sec45 dBmV to 58 dBmV
    ATDMA2560 Ksym/sec45 dBmV to 55 dBmV
    5120 Ksym/sec45 dBmV to 54 dBmV
    Three or moreTDMA1280 Ksym/sec45 dBmV to 55 dBmV
    ATDMA2560 Ksym/sec45 dBmV to 52 dBmV
    5120 Ksym/sec45 dBmV to 51 dBmV
  3. 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. 

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

Acceptable Signal Levels
 
Acceptable Downstream Power Level 
-15 dBmV to +15 dBmV-
Downstream Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR)
ModulationDownstream PowerAcceptable Downstream 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 RateAcceptable Upstream Power Levels
Single (1)TDMA1280 Ksym/sec45 dBmV to 61 dBmV 
ATDMA2560 Ksym/sec45 dBmV to 58 dBmV 
5120 Ksym/sec45 dBmV to 57 dBmV 
Two (2)TDMA1280 Ksym/sec45 dBmV to 58 dBmV 
ATDMA2560 Ksym/sec45 dBmV to 55 dBmV 
5120 Ksym/sec45 dBmV to 54 dBmV 
Three or more (>=3)TDMA1280 Ksym/sec45 dBmV to 55 dBmV 
ATDMA2560 Ksym/sec45 dBmV to 52 dBmV 
5120 Ksym/sec45 dBmV to 51 dBmV
 

Feedback

 

Was this article helpful?


   

Your feedback is appreciated.

Characters Remaining: 255

 

Print
-->