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Low Latency DOCSIS, RF is sexy again, 5G, 10G, Coherent Optics and more

Hello Everyone.  This is episode 52 of Get Your Tech On, our show on All Things DOCSIS.  I’m Brady Volpe, Founder of The Volpe Firm and Nimble This.  With us is, John Downey, in the flesh.   John is also CMTS Technical Leader at Cisco Systems, welcome John.  Also with us is Mia Colabrese of The Volpe Firm and Nimble This.

Today we are going to discuss Technology Trends in Cable. 

BUT First – John does have a better internet connection at his house so moving forward his voice and video will be much improved!

In the News –  THE RISE OF CLOUD GAMING: Cloud-based streaming is the next frontier in the video gaming ecosystem — here’s why cloud service providers and telecoms are vying to tap the multibillion-dollar opportunity

https://www.businessinsider.com/rise-of-cloud-gaming-report-2019-10

Topics covered:

  • DOCSIS Low Latency for Gaming – Low Latency DOCSIS
  • Increase revenue 
  • Low Latency xhaul – 5G over the networks, LTE
  • Mac-PHY
  • Orchestration with RPDs
  • Remote-PHY
  • Pressure test – https://youtu.be/rhgC40va7b8
  • DOCSIS 3.1 – upstream, ATDMA, OFDMA, 42 MHz house amps
  • Coherent Optics – Speed, wavelengths, save fiber
  • AOI, Intraway, CISCO, CASA, Harmonic, Nokia, VeEX, ZCorum, Deviser, Arcom, CableLabs, Effigis, Alpha, Technetics and more
  • Spectrum demo from Cliff, Parking, Hog farm VR glasses, CO2 sensors, Noise, IoT
  • Drone Testing
  • Power Supply’s backhaul, DOCSIS 3.1 test point, Monitoring
  • FDX
  • Julio
  • Virtualized CCAP
  • LOR – Low Latency remote-PHY
  • Timing protocol
  • Technical papers – https://www.nctatechnicalpapers.com/P…
  • Downstream issue
  • DOCSIS 3.0 Modems issues – extended power

Questions from Listeners:

Question 1

I have listened to your podcast regarding T3 and T4 timeouts and DOCSIS 3.1 upstream. It was informative.

I have a question as to my home setup regarding the upstream power level being reported by my modem. 

I am using the Arris SB8200 cable modem. I purchased this modem.

The wiring configuration of my house is the input coax went into a grounding block then to a -9dBmV TAP with one leg capped and the other leg is connected to the coax that feeds my modem. The X technician is using the -9dBmV TAP as an attenuator. These parts were provided by X. The upstream power level is reading 37.4dBmV, 35.9 dBmV, 36.6 dBmV, and 37.4 dBmV for the four upstream channels.

Arris SB8200: Cable Signal Levels 

https://arris.secure.force.com/consumers/articles/General_FAQs/SB8200-Cable-Signal-Levels

Arris Modem states the following.

Acceptable Upstream Power Levels (dBmV)

Recommended Min Upstream Power is 45 dBmV

Recommended Max Upstream Power is 51 dBmV

I have X Cable as my ISP in Cheyenne Wyoming. I am paying for the 100 Mbps level of service. Using Speedtest.net during non peak times (6:00 AM) Mountain Time I was seeing a ping of 8. Download Speed of 115 Mbps, Upload Speed of 10Mbps.

I can provide my Modem Status page and Event logs if those are helpful. The other difficulty I am having is communicating to my ISP because they keep wanting me to “rent” a modem from them and they blame my modem.

Thanks Jessie

Follow up from Jessie

I am receiving the 100 Mbps download 10 Mbps upload speed package. I purchased the Arris SB8200 modem so that as faster speeds became cheaper over the coming years I could take advantage of them without upgrading my hardware.

My Arris SB8200 event log kept showing T3 and T4 Timeout messages. My connection was not overly stable. I did receive my purchased speeds of 100 Mbps download 10 Mbps upload. I have performed packet loss test and it was showing 0% loss. On the front face of the modem the Receive light was showing “Blue” which according to the SB8200 users manual indicates High-speed Internet connection with downstream channels in DOCSIS 3.1 mode. The send light was showing “green” which indicates Upstream channel is connected in DOCSIS 3.0 mode.

I had a Technician come out to my house and examine the quality of the signal coming into the home and the quality of the signal entering the modem. The signal quality is good and reading correctly. The technician installed a Hitron E31N2V1 Docsis 3.1 Modem. He said the issue with with my Arris SB8200 not putting out enough upstream power. His equipment was showing the Hitron E31N2V1 modem was receiving and sending correctly. The problem I have with the Hitron E31N2V1 modem is I can not see the technical information show I don’t know what is going on IE Downstream Power levels, SNR, Upstream Power levels..etc. It appears customers are locked out of this modem. If you know how to access the information for this modem I would appreciate knowing how to do so.

I have attempted to request an RMA from Arris for my SB8200 and it is a back and forth of Arris saying its the ISP signal coming into the modem and Spectrum saying its the modem. I already contacted Arris and provided them with all the technical information such as Downstream Power Levels, SNR, Upstream Power levels..etc. They appear to want me to do the process all over again. 

What can I do to RMA my Arris SB8200 and receive a new unit? I don’t want to rent a modem from X and pay them more money.

Thanks 
Jessie

  • We feel the issue is in the downstream issue

End Podcast

John and Mia thank you for your time today. This was a great episode.  Our next Episode 53 in November.   

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