Evidence of the ability to:
determine the performance of and maintenance requirements for the hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) broadband cable
prepare a maintenance schedule and planned activities, and arrange resources
carry out maintenance activities following appropriate procedures and techniques
perform radio frequency (RF) and optical measurements and analyse results
administer corrective measures where required, and verify and document actions
comply with site risk control, work health and safety (WHS), environmental, quality and communication requirements.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
define the following terms: 16 QAM, 64 QAM, 256 QAM
explain the relevance of alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) electrical equipment in HFC broadband cable network
define forward error correction (FEC) and Reed-Solomon Code
explain bit error ratio (BER) and acceptable values
interpret constellation diagrams
describe digital modulation techniques
summarise Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) cable modem characteristics
discuss future broadband cable network (BCN) and migration to all-optical cable networks
outline HFC broadband cable network principles, architecture and associated equipment
outline the minimum standards allowable in the return path for ingress
summarise optical fibre characteristics
explain quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK)
summarise the services carried on the HFC broadband cable network
discuss spectrum utilisation of the return path showing location of telephony and data channels, and signalling and test frequencies
explain video stream transport formats including:
digital video broadcasting (DVB) - asynchronous serial interface (ASI)
high definition serial digital interface (HD-SDI)
motion picture experts group 2 (MPEG-2)
standard definition serial digital interface (SD-SDI)
modulation error ratio (MER) and acceptable values
describe the types of amplifier and placement in a HFC broadband cable network
summarise bi-directional RF amplifier and unidirectional RF amplifier
explain eye diagram interpretation
explain frequency spectrum and RF frequency plan HFC broadband cable network
describe the use of passive devices including filter, attenuator, power inserter, coaxial splitter, coupler, multitap and equaliser
outline the calculation of overall gain or loss when given signal levels in dBmv
summarise coaxial transmission line characteristics including cable tilt or slope
summarise forward path from head end to subscriber showing expected signal levels at key points
outline power supply requirements in a HFC broadband cable network
outline the return path from subscriber to head end showing expected signal levels at key points
discuss RF amplifier characteristics including gain and tilt adjustment, equalisation and overload
outline forms of ingress and where they may fall in the return path
describe the set up, operation and interpretation of test equipment for complex tests including:
optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR)
optical power meter
digital signal level meter
RF sweep equipment
spectrum analyser
identify the hand and power tools required to assemble and disassemble equipment in pits and in elevated work situations.