Triple-Play Service Deployment

Chapter 5: Troubleshooting the Premises Wiring
Traditional tools such as basic TDRs do not work through splitters
and show only the distance to the first fault. More advanced TDRs
require navigation and interpretation of a graphical trace which
requires formal training and experience to perform correctly.
A new generation of test sets based on frequency domain
reflectomery (FDR) provide a simple, single-ended method to map
the coax network, to identify the components (barrels, splitters,
and splices) and fault areas, and to determine associated distances
to each. This mapping of the network can eliminate unnecessary
trips into other areas of the home. It will also quickly direct the
technician to the location of faults and components that require
attention. The test set evaluates the coax network from the
network interface device (NID) and identifies any splitters, open
connections, cable faults, or mismatched impedances. This test
works through and identifies multiple splitters and shows their
distances. Interpretation of graphical traces is eliminated so the
test may be performed by less experienced technicians.
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