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

Communicating Test Results 
The technician monitoring the received signals first determines the variance in 

relative amplitude of the received signal from desired reference value, and then 

makes any needed adjustments to the receiver optical output level. 
If a portable reverse sweep generator with built-in forward data receiver is used to 

generate the reverse test signals, two people are still required to perform the 

balancing of the fiber link. This type of system is becoming increasingly popular due 

to its ease of use, especially when aligning the reverse amplifier cascade. 
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 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. 
The specific steps for balancing the reverse fiber link are detailed in the next section. 

 

This procedure applies whether balancing the reverse along with the forward or 

balancing the reverse independently. It requires one technician at the GainMaker 

Node and one technician at the headend or hub site to set up the reverse fiber link. 
Note: It is recommended that you set up the link with the highest optical loss budget 

first. Always balance the reverse fiber link before attempting to balance any of the 

reverse amplifiers in the distribution plant. 
Complete the following steps to balance the reverse fiber link. 
1  Ensure that the design value reverse pads are installed in the appropriate reverse 

pad slots in the launch amplifier and reverse optical transmitter input. The 

reverse pads are as follows: 

 

Reverse main input pad for each station port 

 

Reverse output pad 

 

Reverse transmitter input pad 

Note: See illustration in step 4 for location of the reverse transmitter input pad. 

 

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