| Answer | Cable signal levels for all DOCSIS cable modems must be within the acceptable level for the modem to operate properly. Â The three signal levels that need to be within the acceptable level are Downstream Power, SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio), and Upstream Power. Â Downstream Power refers to the line signal sent from the cable provider to the cable modem. Â Downstream SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) refers to the signal being sent in relation to the noise on the line. Â Upstream Power refers to the line signal from the cable modem to transmit data back to the cable provider. Â This document describes how to check the three signal levels to be within the acceptable level for the modem to operate properly.Â
To Verify Cable Signal Levels
NOTE: If the SB6190 is connected to a router, it is recommended to disconnect the router and connect the SB6190 directly to a computer with an Ethernet cable.
- Launch a web browser, such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari. Â Enter http://192.168.100.1 into the address box. Â The Status page will appear.
NOTE 1: 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 24206 - Alert Message for Web Manager Access.
NOTE 2: A login page may appear to access the Web Manager. Enter the default username admin in the Username field and enter the default password password or a customized password in the Password field. For additional information, refer to article 24103 – SB6190 Web Manager Access.
 - In the Downstream Bonded Channels section, verify Power levels are within the acceptable range of - 15 dBmV to + 15 dBmV for each downstream channel.Â
 - In the Downstream Bonded Channels section, identify the Modulation and Power to verify SNR levels are within the acceptable range for each downstream channel.Â
Acceptable SNR Levels (dB):Â
If QAM64, SNR should be 23.5 dB or greater.Â
If QAM256 and DPL( -6 dBmV to +15 dBmV) SNR should be 30 dB or greater.Â
If QAM256 and DPL(-15 dBmV to -6 dBmV) SNR should be 33 dB or greater. Â
 - In the Upstream Bonded Channels section, identify the number of Channels, Type, and Symbolic Rate to verify that Upstream Power levels are within the acceptable range for each upstream channel.Â
Acceptable Upstream Power Levels (dBmV)
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| Upstream Transmit Power Level | | Channel | US Channel Type | Symbol Rate | Acceptable Upstream Power Levels | | Single | TDMA | 1280 Ksym/sec | 45 dBmv to 61 dBmV | | ATDMA | 2560 Ksym/sec | 45 dBmv to 58 dBmV | | 5120 Ksym/sec | 45 dBmv to 57 dBmV | | Â Two | TDMA | 1280 Ksym/sec | 45 dBmv to 58 dBmV | | ATDMA | 2560 Ksym/sec | 45 dBmv to 55 dBmV | | 5120 Ksym/sec | 45 dBmv to 54 dBmV | | Three or more | TDMA | 1280 Ksym/sec | 45 dBmv to 55 dBmV | | ATDMA | Â 2560 Ksym/sec | 45 dBmv to 52 dBmV | | Â 5120 Ksym/sec | 45 dBmv to 51 dBmV |
- Refresh the page at least twice to identify variations in SNR, Downstream Power, and Upstream Power. Â Â
NOTE: If either of the signal levels is outside of the acceptable range, power cycle or factory reset the modem.Â
 - Contact the cable provider to adjust the signal level to an acceptable range.
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Acceptable Signal LevelsÂ
| Acceptable Downstream Power Level | | -15 dBmV to +15 dBmV | | Downstream Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) | | Modulation | Downstream Power | Acceptable Downstream SNR | | 64 QAM | n/a | 23.5 dB or greater | 256 QAM
 | -6 dBmV to +15 dBmV | 30 dB or greater | | -6 dBmV to -15 dBmV | 33 dB or greater | | Upstream Transmit Power Level | | Channel | US Channel Type | Symbol Rate | Acceptable Upstream Power Levels | | Single (1) | TDMA | 1280 Ksym/sec | 45 dBmv to 61 dBmV | | ATDMA | 2560 Ksym/sec | 45 dBmv to 58 dBmV | | 5120 Ksym/sec | 45 dBmv to 57 dBmV | |  Two (2) | TDMA | 1280 Ksym/sec | 45 dBmv to 58 dBmV | | ATDMA | 2560 Ksym/sec | 45 dBmv to 55 dBmV | | 5120 Ksym/sec | 45 dBmv to 54 dBmV | | Three or more (>=3) | TDMA | 1280 Ksym/sec | 45 dBmv to 55 dBmV | | ATDMA |  2560 Ksym/sec | 45 dBmv to 52 dBmV | |  5120 Ksym/sec | 45 dBmv to 51 dBmV |
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