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Cable Modem Signal Levels


Cable modem signal levels

For VoIP to work consistently well the connection to the cable modem should be stable and within certain signal (dB) parameters.  The best way to determine if there are any problems with the cable signal levels, that could affect the modems connectivity is to view the cable modem's signal power levels by accessing an interior screen.  These levels can be read by accessing the modems internal pages in most cases.  Many modems have an IP address of 192.168.100.1 which would be the address to use for access.  For more about Motorola cable modem access.
The cable modem's power levels should be within these ranges:

*Remember, that when checking the cable modem signal levels to remember that these readings are a snapshot at that time.  If you have issues on rainy days then compare the readings on a clear day to one when it rains.  A deterioration of signal strength would indicate a moisture problem in either a splitter, cable or connection degrading your signal.  Normally temperature changes can affect the power levels by plus or minus 3dB; a reason why you would not want signal levels close to the extreme limits.

Some steps that can be taken to improve your cable modem's signal levels and connection.

A signal amplifier will not help correct an upstream signal (Tx) issue because most house amplifiers do not amplify the upstream, they will only pass the Tx signal and then with some loss, which further degrades the modem's connection.  If a amplifier is needed to boost the signal for the TVs, then connect the amplifier after a two way splitter.  One cable from the 2-way splitter directly to the cable modem and the other to the amplifier and then to the additional splitter.

Cable provider-->Cable box-->2way splitter-->cable modem

                                                                     -->TV or second splitter-->TVs