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May 24, 2017.

The new DOCSIS 3.0 analyzer for hybrid Fibre-Coaxial networks CABLE RANGER from PROMAX provides all the required measurements to install and carry the network maintenance of those hybrid networks using fiber optics and coaxial cables at the physical layer.

Hybrid analyzer CABLE RANGER

DOCSIS 3.0 and DOCSIS 3.1 RF ready

The operating frequency range spans from 5 Mhz to 1700 Mhz, thus fulfilling DOCSIS 3.0 and 3.1 requirements. Nowadays, it is imperative to have an available frequency band up to 200 Mhz for the return path (upstream) and up to 1700 Mhz for the forward path (downstream) ensuring extra bandwidth for future network upgrades.

The CABLE RANGER is a DOCSIS 3.0 and DOCSIS 3.1 ready analyzer
The CABLE RANGER is a DOCSIS 3.0 and DOCSIS 3.1 ready analyzer.

Built-in Cable Modem for DOCSIS 3.0

The built-in cable modem in the DOCSIS CABLE RANGER analyzer can be used to take measurements before registering into the DOCSIS network, e.g. the ranging process display or the return band attenuation measurement. It can also be used to take measurements under registered mode, such as PLR, Delay and Jitter, for IPTV and VoIP quality of sevice (QoS) assessment, by forwarding RTPS and UGS packets respectively onto the network. It displays as well all the IP addresses from network devices involved in the communication process.

DOCSIS CABLE RANGER cable modem operating under registered mode
DOCSIS CABLE RANGER cable modem operating under “registered” mode.

Coming out with a great number of features

Furthermore, it is extremely easy to use thanks to its iconnographic menus. Among other features, the analyzer offers:

  • Spectrum analyzer along with measurements and total input power measurement.
  • SCAN feature in order to check the network signal presence at a glance.
  • TILT tool for identifying and compensating RF network response imbalances along the frequency band.
  • BER, MER and constellation diagram measurements.
  • Registered and non-registered mode operation.
  • PLR, Delay and Jitter measurements.
  • Upstream signal generator intended to verify the return path, frequency and level agile (including as well a sweeping mode).
  • Analog measurements and HUM.
  • Input voltimeter.
The CABLE RANGER analyzer features a touch screen interface based on icons
The CABLE RANGER analyzer features a touch screen interface based on icons.

Fiber optic input

HFC networks are using greater sections of fiber optic cables every time, getting closer to the end user. The HFC CABLE RANGER meter features an optical input for optical measurements that allows fields technicians to take optical power measurements besides all the RF measurements related to RFoG (Radiofrequency Over Glass) as a result of the optical to RF converted included in the meter. In this mode, the optical power measurement is displayed along with the rest of measurements.

  • DOCSIS downstream analyzer.
  • Spectrum analyzer with simultaneous optical measurements.
HFC/DOCSIS CABLE RANGER hybrid analyzer optical and RF inputs
DOCSIS 3.0 hybrid Fibre-Coaxial networks analyzer CABLE RANGER optical and RF inputs.

Built-in web browser for activation and service management

With the objective of connecting to the operator’s network and carrying service activation or verification tasks, the HFC/DOCSIS CABLE RANGER analyzer includes a web browser, preventing the technician from carrying an additional laptop. The CABLE RANGER is a robust optical and DOCSIS network analyzer without removable parts, and it does not feature a hard drive which may lose data due to severe day-by-day field operation.

Built-in web browser included in the CABLE RANGER, manageable through the touch screen
Built-in web browser included in the CABLE RANGER, manageable through the touch screen.

Profitable and user-friendly

The high contrast 7’’ touch screen ensures an unprecedented user experience in professional testing equipment. The user works faster and better.

It is possible to take screenshots at any moment, save them in the analyzer internal memory and transfer them to the PC with the objective of editing technical reports to be delivered to the management.

The HFC/DOCSIS CABLE RANGER analyzer is very lightweight (around 1.5 kg) and is framed into an ABS impact resilient casing, its ergonomic design was inherited from PROMAX field strength meters which became an industry standard as a result of their features and usability.

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PROMAX is a leading manufacturer of test and measurement systems, broadcast and TV signal distribution equipment. Our product lines include measuring instruments for cable TV, satellite TV, broadcast, wireless and fibre optics networks, FTTH and GPON analyzers. DVB-T modulators, IP streamers or IP converters (ASI, DVB-T) are among the company’s latest developments.