Cisco GainMaker Optoelectronic Node 1GHz with 65 86 MHz Split Installation Guide

The amplitude and tilt of the received test signals at the output of the reverse optical 

receiver in the headend or hub may be measured and monitored using the 

following. 

 

Spectrum analyzer (when using a CW generator for test signals) 

 

Signal level meter (when using a CW generator for test signals) 

 

Reverse sweep receiver (when using a reverse sweep transmitter for test signal) 

Communicating Test Results 
The variance in relative amplitude and tilt of the received signal from desired 

(reference) may be relayed to the field technician via the following. 

 

Radio, by a second technician in the headend or hub who is monitoring a 

spectrum analyzer or signal level meter 

 

A dedicated forward TV channel whose associated modulator has its video input 

being generated by a video camera focused on the spectrum analyzer display 

 

An associated forward data carrier (if using a particular type of reverse sweep 

system) 

If a portable reverse sweep generator with built-in forward data receiver is used to 

generate the reverse test signals, only one technician is required to perform the 

balancing. This type of system is becoming increasingly popular due to its ease of 

use. 
In this case, the sweep system includes a combination reverse sweep receiver and 

forward data  transmitter, which is located in the headend or hub. The frequency 

response characteristics of the received sweep signal, including relative amplitude 

and tilt, are converted by the headend sweep receiver to a data format and 

transmitted in the forward RF path as a data carrier by combining it into the forward 

headend combiner. 
The portable sweep generator or data receiver that is injecting the test signals into 

the reverse path in the field is simultaneously receiving the incoming data carrier via 

the forward RF path, and converting it back to a sweep display which represents 

what is being received by the headend unit. 
While one technician in the field can monitor the received amplitude and determine 

whether it deviates from reference or not, any variation in amplitude required at the 

output of the receiver in the headend would typically be accomplished by a second 

technician in the headend, who is in communication with the technician in the field. 
Note:  When using a reverse sweep system such as this, be sure to consult the 

manufacturer's guide to determine proper headend combining and to ensure proper 

telemetry levels. 

 

A reverse fiber link includes three main components: 

 

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