Analyse DOCSIS 3.1 signals using snapshot analysis software

Rohde & Schwarz has announced that it is the first company to offer a solution for analysing DOCSIS 3.1 signals. Cable TV network operators and manufacturers of cable TV network components can use the R&S DSA DOCSIS snapshot analysis software and the R&S FSW high-end spectrum analyser to carry out performance measurements.

According to the company, the software makes it possible to quickly and reliably characterise downstream signals of up to 192MHz. The data over cable service interface specifications (DOCSIS) 3.1 provide fast data transmission over hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) networks. To prepare for the planned rollout of the standard, makers of cable headends, cable modems and network components as well as cable TV network operators can use the R&S DSA analysis software. Rohde & Schwarz claims to be the first supplier to enable users to perform high-quality BER and MER measurements on real-life DOCSIS 3.1 signals.

The R&S DSA software works in combination with the R&S FSW high-end signal and spectrum analyser, which records the signals using OFDM vector signal analysis software. The R&S FSW is the only signal and spectrum analyser on the market that provides an analysis bandwidth of 320MHz, stated the company. It can therefore be optimally adapted to different signal levels and bandwidths. R&S DSA analyses the I/Q samples recorded by the R&S FSW and outputs diverse MER values as well as bit and codeword error statistics that comprehensively describe the quality of a DOCSIS 3.1 signal. The R&S DSA software provides a straightforward graphical display of MER vs. subcarrier to allow easy detection of interferers and other negative influences in the transmission channel.

The analysis solution from Rohde & Schwarz is optimised for use in the research and development of cable TV network components. It allows the signal quality of modulators for the DOCSIS 3.1 downstream to be tested when developing cable headends. For cable TV network components, the analysis software makes general performance measurements. The software is also able to measure complete network segments under lab conditions. These measurements can be performed using the R&S CLGD DOCSIS cable load generator.

The R&S DSA DOCSIS snapshot analysis software for the R&S FSW high-end signal and spectrum analyser is available from Rohde & Schwarz.