[SOLVED] Downstream Bonded Channel Power Help!

Dec 15, 2020
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Hey all, I have pretty inconsistent WiFi and occasional internet blackouts. I've spent quite a bit of time troubleshooting it, and I think I've narrowed it down to an issue with the power levels. See below for info. The downstream bonded channel power level is well above the 15 dBmV that is is considered the upper limit. Not sure about the upstream bonded channels.

I'm no networking guy, but assuming the above all makes sense, what is the solution to this? I think I may need an attenuator but am not sure. I should also add that I have an "Infinity Premise Amplifier, Model IPA1001. 52-1002MHz Forward Gain 15 dB. 5-42 MHZ Reverse Gain -1.2 dB"

Thanks in advance for your help!

Matt

edit: I can't seem to get the screenshot or tables to post. The downstream channels are all around 18 dBmV and the upstream channels are all around 42-44 dBmV.
 
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Solution
Thanks, Bill. When the internet goes down (both wired ethernet and Wifi), there have been no errors and the modem still says it's connected to the internet. It's really weird.

There is currently an amplifier in the path, but I wasn't sure if the reverse gain -1.2 dB was required and should not be removed. If that's not the case, I'll just remove the amplifier and that sounds like it'll fix the power issue.

If the power levels aren't related to the instability, I'm guessing it might be hardware issue with the modem itself.

Matt
The easiest way to see if your amp is causing a problem is to temporarily run a cable across the floor to the outside of the house where your cable comes in. Connect directly and look at your values.
Those level have nothing to do with wifi.

Look at the log messages in the modem and see if the internet is actually gong down. The same screen that shows those levels on most modems also show error counts. If you are not getting lots of uncorrectable errors then the power level like are not hurting you.

Are you saying you have a amplifier in the path or you are going to put a amplifier in the path. it would be silly to put a attenuator in if you also have a amplifier. Just remove the amplifier. In theory if it is adding 15db your levels should be about 3db
 
Those level have nothing to do with wifi.

Look at the log messages in the modem and see if the internet is actually gong down. The same screen that shows those levels on most modems also show error counts. If you are not getting lots of uncorrectable errors then the power level like are not hurting you.

Are you saying you have a amplifier in the path or you are going to put a amplifier in the path. it would be silly to put a attenuator in if you also have a amplifier. Just remove the amplifier. In theory if it is adding 15db your levels should be about 3db

Thanks, Bill. When the internet goes down (both wired ethernet and Wifi), there have been no errors and the modem still says it's connected to the internet. It's really weird.

There is currently an amplifier in the path, but I wasn't sure if the reverse gain -1.2 dB was required and should not be removed. If that's not the case, I'll just remove the amplifier and that sounds like it'll fix the power issue.

If the power levels aren't related to the instability, I'm guessing it might be hardware issue with the modem itself.

Matt
 
Thanks, Bill. When the internet goes down (both wired ethernet and Wifi), there have been no errors and the modem still says it's connected to the internet. It's really weird.

There is currently an amplifier in the path, but I wasn't sure if the reverse gain -1.2 dB was required and should not be removed. If that's not the case, I'll just remove the amplifier and that sounds like it'll fix the power issue.

If the power levels aren't related to the instability, I'm guessing it might be hardware issue with the modem itself.

Matt
The easiest way to see if your amp is causing a problem is to temporarily run a cable across the floor to the outside of the house where your cable comes in. Connect directly and look at your values.
 
Solution