Pathtrak Return Path Monitoring System

Early fault detection in a superiorreturn path monitoring system savesmaintenance time and costs:

– Ultra fast parallel scanning andthousands of measurements persecond, per port, followed by localDSP processing, detects the mosttransient noise problems

– True multi-tasking system (patentpending) for simultaneousmonitoring, spectrum analysis, andoptional Field View troubleshooting

– VoIP node certification is faster andconsistent on every node, thusassuring rapid and accurate RFphysical layer node qualification forthe most aggressive deployment plan

– Provides real time remote spectrumanalysis with full control on localclient of measurement parameterssuch as Dwell Time, ResolutionBandwidth, and Video Bandwidth

– Monitors return path performanceto alarm operators of issues beforeminor faults grow to become majoroutages

– Performance history views identifyintermittent RF problems over timein minutes, days, or months (patentpending)

– Prioritizes the severity of detectedproblems with intelligent alarmmanagement. Enhanced Alarm Viewimmediately connects performancehistory on either side of an alarmevent (patent pending)

– Supports SNMP standard protocolsfor communication with any OSS ornetwork management systems

Introduction

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The PathTrak™ Return Path Monitoring System offers a highly efficient,continuous, and automated method of monitoring and analyzing RFperformance ideal for operators who currently, or who are planning to, deployadvanced services such as VoIP. The architecture uses distributed scanningspectrum analyzers with advanced network-based software. Analysis tools allowcable operators to quickly troubleshoot issues before they impact the customer.Simultaneously, PathTrak’s ability to communicate with the SDA and DSAM fieldmeters (Field View option) lets technicians view the live headend return spectrumto quickly find and fix return ingress problems. PathTrak is the only Return PathMonitoring System available that is fast enough and powerful enough tosimultaneously provide monitoring, live remote client spectrum views, constantperformance history, and remote spectrum views on field meters (Patent No.6,425,132).

The PathTrak family of products includes the optional Field View feature on field meters to allow fieldtechnicians to view the return spectrum as received in the head end or hub site.

PathTrak Server

NetworkManagement System

SNMP (NOC)Ethernet

WebView Server

Remote PathTrak Clients

Non-PTWebView User

Web Access

HSM-1000

Central Head EndHCU

HCU

CustomerHSM-1000

RemoteHub Sites

NodeReturns

NodeReturns

DSAM or SDA Field Meters with Field View option

Only a coordinated team effort armed with JDSU’s PathTrak, the industry’s most powerful, fastest scanning andmost comprehensive return path monitoring system, can proactively maintain quality return performance,assuring that customers who subscribe to advanced two-way services do not have their service interrupted bypoor return path performance.

PathTrak provides something for everyone concerned with network quality.

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Operations and Engineering Management

PathTrak delivers...

– Assign duties based on real-time node status and track progress and changes aswork is being done. Efficient node certification for VoIP services.

– One monitoring port per return provides 24/7 data collection for each node

– Integrate alarms with NMS system through the use of SNMP interface

– Correlate real time and historical PathTrak data with other systems such as IPdata layers

– Performance history tracks node RF performance

– Distributed DSP processing reduces network traffic to just alarms until detail isrequested

– Install and Upgrade

– Training Services — customized to users and their system

– Optimization Services — get the most out of your investment

– On-Site Calibration Services — leave equipment in their racks!

Network Operations Center Administrator

PathTrak delivers...

– PathTrak Certify your returns for VoIP deployment

– Optimize monitoring plans based on node Performance History

– Intelligent Alarm Filtering minimizes alarms of low importance

– Enhanced Alarms to instantly view detailed data before and after an event

– View Performance History for any node(s), up to a full month of data

– Assign client rights for ease of use and configuration control

– Scalable hardware and software

– Add or subtract system capacity on your schedule

– Set alarms for minimum and maximum levels, by frequency

– Discover ingress under high speed data carriers with Spectrum Analyzer Zero Span

Your principle focus...

– Improved efficiencies

– Plant reliability

– Integration of all systems

– Proactive processes

– Bandwidth management

– Vendor service support

Your principle focus...

– Constant monitoring over entirenetwork

– Useful alarms

– Operator management

– Ease of system expansion

– Monitor desired return carrierperformance

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Network Operations Analyst

PathTrak delivers...– Multiple means to identify the importance of an alarm

– Enhanced Alarms to instantly view detailed data before and after an event

– Export detailed data, or simple snapshot of a view

– Monitor multiple nodes simultaneously

– Monitor consistently the same way on all nodes

– Record results to support certification

– View any node, or collection of nodes, with the live Spectrum ViewYour principle focus...

– Alarm management

– Node health and trouble tickets

– Efficient node certification

Field Techs and Installers

PathTrak delivers...– Field View option on JDSU SDA and DSAM field meters (Patent No.

6,425,132) checks that work at install does not add to return noise

– With Field View option toggle between local and Remote Spectrum View tosee immediate impact field work has on return noise levels (Patent No.6,425,132)

– Move between nodes and select appropriate node remote view at the meter

Your principle focus...

– Quality control at install

– Isolation of ingress source

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The typical PathTrak system is comprised of these principal components:

– PathTrak System Software, with a valid central system license file, running on adedicated server machine provided by the customer

– A quantity of up to 30 Floating Clients per server as enabled in central systemlicense file on server and installed on remote, network connected, workstationsprovided by the customer

– A quantity of Return Path Modules (RPMs), spectrum analyzer cards whichcapture and process the return path RF activity

– Multiple Remote Headend Control Units (HCUs) as enabled in central systemlicense file on the server. The HCUs house multiple RPM spectrum analyzercards and are remotely located in the HFC network at headends and hubs.

The PathTrak server machine, all HCUs, and the client workstations are allconnected on the private local area network.

– Optional Headend Stealth Modem (HSM) used to transmit specific returnpath spectrum(s) simultaneously to multiple JDSU field instruments that havethe Field View option installed

The PathTrak Return Path Monitoring System continuously monitors theupstream noise and carrier levels returning from multiple nodes. As many as 1500or more nodes may be monitored on a single PathTrak server without anysacrifice in performance. Each PathTrak server can be scaled to handle up to 30remote clients simultaneously. The management of all nodes on a single systemis greatly simplified with highly sophisticated alarm parameters that can beplaced on four different thresholds and configurable on each of 250 frequencypoints within the defined return spectrum. Data captured is stored up to a fullmonth and can be reviewed instantaneously at anytime. With the addition of theoptional PathTrak WebView, performance history up to a year can be reviewed innumerous graphical formats. The 250 frequency points can be individuallyprogrammed for frequency and threshold levels. Each threshold level may have analarm assigned to it. There are multiple trigger criteria that are configured todefine what activates the alarm. Alarms may be set to trigger off of severaldifferent types of changes on the return RF path such as a sustained increase innoise floor level, absence or presence of a carrier level and common pathdistortion. Logical combinations may be defined to minimize false alarms.

“Chasing return ingress” is a key to proactive network maintenance.The optional Field Viewfeature on JDSU SDA and DSAM field metersplaces a view of selected return node spectrumsin the hands of the field technician withoutrequiring personnel at the head end or hub site.

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Intelligent alarm capabilities of PathTrak assure thatcritical issues are alerted to network personnelimmediately. Every node may have its own optimizedmonitoring plan complete with filter and logic settings specific for the monitored frequency point.The use of color and “right-click” shortcuts directusers to alarm source instantly.

Display of performance history over multiple daysreveals network characteristics that are cyclical innature.This four day display clearly shows consistent shortwave ingress at the lower frequen-cies and intermittent CPD that comes and goesacross several hours.These views aid supervisors toidentify ingress sources and to efficiently schedulemaintenance crews.

PathTrak System SoftwareAll functionality of the PathTrak Return Path Monitoring System is contained inthe PathTrak System Software CD. This includes Master System Controllersoftware that is installed on the customer’s server machine (a dedicated PC for thePathTrak system that meets minimum suggested requirements – see separatePathTrak data sheet).

Client software for installation work-stations, as well as software that is pushedfrom the server to all remote PathTrak elements, is included on the CD. Electronicversions of all manuals are included.

Separate from the physical package shipped to the customer is a central systemlicense file that represents the purchased system configuration (single server witha quantity of floating clients and single or multiple remote HCUs). The centralsystem license file is attached to the primary MAC address in the PathTrak servermachine as recognized by the local area network (LAN).

Client SoftwareThe client provides a user interface to the PathTrak server (Master SystemController). Client software is typically installed on the server machine as well asremote workstations connected to the network. Since the software is controlled by“floating licenses”, it may be liberally distributed to anyone requiring access to thePathTrak system. The system administrator sets up user accounts to control whohas client access to the system as well as assigning various user privileges. Thecentral license file installed on the PathTrak server controls the quantity of clientsactively logged into the system at any one time. Users may view return spectrumsas well as live monitoring views and performance history.

Return Path Module (RPM)The RPM module provides ultra-fast scanning of 1 to 8 input ports, eachconnected to a return path. For purpose of isolating noise and ingress issues tospecific nodes, JDSU recommends that a separate RPM port is connected to eachreturn node. Each RPM module is an independent spectrum analyzer withmeasurement settings and functions such as resolution bandwidth, videobandwidth, dwell time, span, marker control, max hold, min hold, peak search,and zero span. Measurement settings can be varied by individual port, allowingthe user to program each of the eight ports on a single RPM with differentmonitoring plans.

The RPM provides flexibility to adjust these parameters in monitoring plans, or asa live spectrum analyzer for interactive analysis according to individualpreferences. In Monitoring mode, the measurement speed at 300 kHz resolution,monitoring all eight ports, reaches five times per second for each port. Inaddition, the RPM is designed with a fast detector for measuring very fasttransient noise, ingress, and bursty signals. The RPM can reliably detect andmeasure bursts of noise as short as one microsecond in duration.

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The return spectrum from 5 to 65 MHz is covered and each test port is scanned 3to 5 times per second in the 24/7 monitoring mode. In the live Spectrum Analyzermode, 500 points frequency resolution is used with 5 measurement scans madeper second on the port of interest. Two separate client spectrum analyzer sessions,and up to four return spectrums for Field View broadcast, can be handledsimultaneously on a single RPM module. Each broadcast spectrum of a nodereturn may be viewed simultaneously by any number of field meters that have theField View option.

Headend Control Unit (HCU)The HCU provides the housing for PathTrak RPM spectrum analyzer modules,memory for data storage, and an on-board processor for intelligent analysis andcontrol of monitored data.

The HCU communicates to the Master System Controller (server PC) via 10/100BaseT Ethernet connection to notify users of system alarms and status. Thehousing is an industry standard VME chassis. Each HCU has either 15 slots(HCU1500) or 4 slots (HCU400) for RPM spectrum analyzer modules. TheHCU1500 can be configured with RPM modules to monitor from 8 to 120 ports.The HCH400 handles up to 4 RPMs equating to 8 to 32 monitoring ports.Additional HCUs and RPMs may be added to the system at anytime. PathTrakReturn Monitoring System is an highly scalable system that maintains highperformance in large deployments.

Each HCU contains a multi-gigabyte hard drive module for storage of monitoredperformance data and a powerful single board computer module for intelligentanalysis. With on-board processing power close to monitoring modules, datastorage and analysis is much faster, and more extensive. Communication to theMaster System Controller (server PC) is only required to communicate systemstatus and alarms. Thus, multiple HCUs deployed in multiple remote sites can allperform at equally high speed and will not be restricted by communication linksto a central PC controller. This also minimizes network traffic over a user’s LANor data communications network. PathTrak does not require a dedicated highbandwidth LAN to monitor peak performance.

After proper setup, the HCU is a completely self-managed stand-alone unit. Itworks independent from the LAN. If the LAN has a temporary outage, themonitoring process still continues. The on-board computer supports all localprocessing power. Because the computer is a VME industry type, the Mean TimeBetween Failures (MTBF) is much greater than standard PC’s.

PathTrak spectrum analyzer views on client worksta-tions are similar to views seen on general purposeanalyzers. Familiar measurement settings are availableand multiple nodes may be viewed simultaneously.Return spectrums that are needed in the field tocompare with local spectrums on either the JDSUSDA or DSAM meters are easily selected for broad-cast for field viewing (Patent No. 6,425,132). PathTrakField View option is required on the field meter.

Zero Span in the spectrum analyzer mode is a power-ful troubleshooting tool.With the triggered Zero Spanmode, PathTrak can capture time domain characteris-tics of a signal at a specific frequency, including inter-mittent signals.This capability helps identify undesiredingress under the desired DOCSIS® high speed datacarrier returning from subscriber modems.

The Headend Control Unit (HCU)

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All statements, technical information and recommendations related to the products herein are based upon informa-

tion believed to be reliable or accurate. However, the accuracy or completeness thereof is not guaranteed, and no

responsibility is assumed for any inaccuracies. The user assumes all risks and liability whatsoever in connection with

the use of a product or its application. JDSU reserves the right to change at any time without notice the design,

specifications, function, fit or form of its products described herein, including withdrawal at any time of a product

offered for sale herein. JDSU makes no representations that the products herein are free from any intellectual

property claims of others. Please contact JDSU for more information. JDSU and the JDSU logo are trademarks of

JDS Uniphase Corporation. Other trademarks are the property of their respective holders. ©2005 JDS Uniphase

Corporation. All rights reserved. 30137309 500 1205 PATHTRAK.BR.CAB.TM.AE

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DA-3400 and PVA-1000 — DA-3400 monitors VoIPtraffic and feeds alarm information to OSS systems viaSNMP.The PVA-1000 software takes a capture file andlists all of the VoIP calls, the MOS score in each direc-tion, plots the jitter and packet loss and plays theaudio back.

PathTrak WebView — Uses separate server to providebrowser interface to allow users to remotely accessspectrum analyzer and to create useful reports thatcan help rolling out VoIP.

PathTrak Field View Option available on SDA andDSAM meters — Allows instant feedback of fixes per-formed in the field. Eliminates second person to com-municate spectrum view at headend. DSAM PathTrakField View Option also provides a programmable CWcarrier with user defined frequency and level up to+58 dBmV.

RSAM — Feeds forward path analog and digital carrier alarm information to OSS systems via SNMP.Allows user to see both desired and undesired for-ward path signals from the headend or hubsite viaDSAM Browser Option in the field or PC browsers.Measurements and views include full channel scan,forward spectrum, and individual channel parameters,including level, MER, BER, and constellation.

Additional JDSU Products that Complement the PathTrak System

The Headend Stealth Modem (HSM)

Headend Stealth Modem (HSM)The optional HSM Stealth Modem isused in combination with the PathTrakHeadend Control Unit (HCU) totransport data from the PathTrak systemto SDA-5000/4040D and DSAM fieldmeters. The HSM is a requiredcomponent of the Field View feature. Itallows the field technician to observereal-time headend return spectrumgraphs on his or her meter to comparewith the local spectrum graph.

Data is transmitted to the field metervia an FSK modulated (100 kHz)telemetry carrier. The telemetry isinserted in any unoccupied bandwidthon the forward path up to 1000 MHzand has an adjustable output levelfrom +20 to +50 dBmV. All telemetryparameters are programmable viaPathTrak software. The HSM islocated at the data collection pointand is connected to the PathTrak HCUwith standard RS232 communication.A rear panel RF output port allows foreasy coupling to the cable systemforward path. The HSM may be usedwith the legacy Phasor system byconnecting it to the Phasor DSP565.Further detail covering PathTrakspecifications and tolerances iscontained in a separate PathTrak datasheet.