Table of Content:

  1. Why this article
  2. Contribution
  3. Schematics
  4. Power and Earthing/Ground
  5. Ensure the Return Path
  6. Frequency plan
  7. IP survey
  8. WLAN & Site survey

Why this article

TRIAX EoC is a system that uses various technologies. The system is designed to bring the data over existing coax infrastructure to termination in either an RJ45 port or WiFi broadcast. Therefore, there may be unknown knowledge within either antenna technology, IP or WiFi for the individual installer.


This article describes some of the challenges you may encounter in older coax installations, in connection with the installation of TRIAX EoC. In addition, it also describes the considerations one should take in connection with IP and WiFi.


The article is based on experience learned in previous installations and does not necessarily have to be followed to the letter.


You can use the list as a guide or troubleshooting list before, during or after installation.


The article is related to the following articles:

  1. Considerations before installing EoC - Schematics
  2. Considerations before installing EoC - Frequency plan
  3. Considerations before installing EoC - IP Survey
  4. Considerations before installing EoC - WLAN & Site survey
  5. Considerations before installing EoC - Ensuring the return path


How the article is meant to be used

The article is divided into sections and each section contains a number of items to consider. Each item contains a possible cause of the error with a suggested solution


Example:


X.y Item header

Possible Issue:Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
Action:Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.


Before installing TRIAX EoC systems, it would be a good idea to just read the article. This will make you aware of what you may experience during installation or what you should consider before installation.


The article will also be useful after an installation where challenges are experienced in areas of knowledge where the installer is not strong. This could be within coax if you are an IP network specialist or vice versa.


Contribution

As this article is based on experience from existing installations, then it is an article that is expected to grow!

However, the article can only be expanded by getting the necessary knowledge reported to support@triax.com.


Finally, do not hesitate to send us an email with your experiences. Remember to refer to this article in your email.



1. Schematics

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1.1 Acquire schematics

Possible Issue:Unidentified components & possible limitations are not identified before the 1st site visit.
Action:Acquire an existing schematics of the site (if any exists).



1.2 Verify schematics

Possible Issue:Unidentified expansions & updates not identified.
Action:Onsite comparison is recommended since the coax network often is drawn upon creation & not updated when expanded or updated.



1.3 Need for segmentation?

Possible Issue:Not noting the topology of the installation will raise questions during the installation. Will there be a need for segmentation of the coax or port bundling? This is also dependant on the expectations on the WLAN coverage. WLAN coverage is a product of the installed endpoints. Therefore is it necessary to have an overview of the number of rooms, public areas, dead spots or other?
Action:Consider if you need to segment the coax network. How many endpoints do you need?



1.4 Document in DOL/AND or other

Possible Issue:Unidentified signal level issues (forecasted), missing documentation in the future expansion of coax.
Action:Document it in DOL, AND or other software & verify signals, segmentation & endpoint deployment.



2. Power and Earthing/Ground

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2.1 Power outlet for the controller

Possible Issue:Installing an additional power outlet or power distributor.
Action:Is there free power outlets for the controller(s)?



2.2 Power outlet for all endpoints

Possible Issue:Installing an additional power outlet or power distributor.
Action:Is there free power outlets for all endpoints?



2.3 Earthing

Possible Issue:Interference on TV/EoC signalling.
Action:Earthing must be done accordingly to the specific site and locale regulations. Please verify this is possible on site.



3. Ensure the Return Path

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3.1 Amplifiers with no return path

Possible Issue:Endpoint installed after amplifier will not work.
Action:Bypass amplifier with return path filter.



3.2 Amplifiers with return path

Possible Issue:Limited return path (5…65MHz). ~480Mbit/s as UDP traffic
Action:Bypass amplifier with return path filter.



3.3 Amplifiers with active return path

Possible Issue:Noise in the 5…65MHz range will be amplified, that might cause interference & reduction in bandwidth.
Action:Bypass amplifier with return path filter & deactivate return path amplification.



3.4 Amplifiers lids

Possible Issue:Ingress/noise generated by the amplifier, that might cause interference & reduction in bandwidth.
Action:Tighten all amplifier lids.



3.5 Amplifier resources

Possible Issue:Too low signal level on TV services, after added passive components/filters/EoC system if the amplifiers already are set to max gain.
Action:Make sure, that the added attenuation can de be compensated by the amplifiers.



3.6 Splitters & Taps

Possible Issue:Defective splitters & taps may cause loss/ingress on the G.hn. The TV services might work due to capacitive coupling.
Action:Replace defective splitters & taps, when identified.



3.7 Connectors

Possible Issue:Twist-on or poor mounted press-on connectors may cause ingress/noise.
Action:Replace connectors if the Ingress/noise is severed.



3.8 Combining EoC & TV

Possible Issue:Interference, Tuner overload, too much attenuation added Taking into account the channel plan, current end-to-end attenuation.
Action:Use the TV-in on the controller. If it is needed to bypass the controller, use the return path filter for combining.



3.9 Outlet with an endpoint

Possible Issue:Limited bandwidth due to frequency specifications on the outlet.
Action:Replace the outlet to support for full bandwidth.



3.10 Outlet without an endpoint

Possible Issue:Overload on TV/STB due to high EoC signal level from neighbouring EPC.
Action:Add a filter in front of the TV/STB to remove interference.



3.11 Connection between coax & outlet

Possible Issue:A poor connection may cause ingress/noise. To narrow bending radius may decrease return loss & result in a reduction of amplitude in a frequency range.
Action:Correct the coax/outlet connection accordingly to specifications.



4. Frequency plan

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4.1 Locally generated services

Possible Issue:Interference on both EoC & radio/TV services.
Action:Reallocate TV services to a high-frequency range.



4.2 ISP delivered services

Possible Issue:Interference on both EoC & radio/TV services. This scenario can also introduce issues like DOCSIS 3.1 return path signalling (0…204MHz), which lies in the same frequency range as the EoC signalling. In this scenario, it is demanded to install a highpass filter in the delivery point of the ISP.
Action:Ideally, install a headend or filter out incoming interfering signals & notch out EoC if needed.



4.3 Injection of TV services through the EoC system

Possible Issue:Limits the usage of frequencies for TV services to the range 300…862MHz. The advantage is, that the separation of EoC & TV services is done by built-in filters on the controller & EPCs.
Action:This will introduce some additional attenuation to the TV signal, that must be compensated before injection. The additional attenuation depends on the type of controller being used.



4.4 Combining of TV services parallel to the EoC system

Possible Issue:Using passive components increases attenuation. Possible interference, if TV services are to close to EoC signalling.
Action:Use a return path filter for each EoC port in use. The frequency range for TV services is 300…862MHz. Attenuation is reduced to 1.5dB for the TV signal, compared with passive components. But the TV signal must still be split out, introducing attenuation. Therefore will the advantage of parallel combining be reduced.



4.5 Measure/check signal levels

Possible Issue:TV services may stop working on individual TV/STB due too to low signal levels. Especially in the high-frequency area, that is more sensitive to attenuation.
Action:Measuring the level of the TV signal at each TV/STB is highly recommended, to verify that the signal level is high enough, giving headroom for the added attenuation (depending on added passive components/outlet etc.). See ‘3.5 Amplifier resources’ for further information.



5. IP Survey

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5.1 Router

Possible Issue:Needed demands are not meet. The router must be replaced.
Action:What kind of router is installed? Does it support the needed requirements like?
See item‘ 5.6 DHCP, NAT, Firewall & VPN’.



5.2 Switches

Possible Issue:Removing and/or replacing switches.
Action:Is there already installed switches? Do they need to be replaced to meet the needed requirements? See bullets below. Do they need to be removed entirely due to system replacement?



5.3 Access points

Possible Issue:Multiple systems running parallel. Mixed setup (WLAN).
Action:Is there any access points already installed. Do they need to be removed?



5.4 Existing VLANs

Possible Issue:Traffic being mixed (no separation). VLAN ID mismatch or missing VLANs.
Action:Get an overview of what is needed. Usually, you will need 1 VLAN for every WLAN (SSID) and 1 VLAN for management. Is there already VLANs configured on the site router and switches? Is it required to have client isolation on 1 or more VLANs?



5.5 IP Scopes

Possible Issue:Missing IP scopes for connected clients, resulting in no internet access (when not utilizing "zones").
Action:Get an overview of what is needed. 1 IP scope pr VLAN is normal. Management VLAN usually don’t have a DHCP server connected but will use static IP addresses in a fixed and already defined IP scope.



5.6 DCHP, NAT, firewall & VPN

Possible Issue:Missing IP scopes for connected clients, resulting in no internet access (when not utilizing "zones").
Action:Will the onsite router handle the IP address assignment, NAT and security? Is it necessary to replace the router, for supporting multiple VLANs and IP scopes? Does the router give VPN opportunity?



5.7 Management & remote access

Possible Issue:Missing option to access and manage the system remotely.
Action:Setup management to the controller from a specific VLAN and setup VPN preferable over port forwarding.



6. WLAN & Site survey

To the top


6.1 Does the site owner know the current situation

Possible Issue:The EoC installation will end up not covering the desired needs for full WiFi coverage and experience.
Action:Talk with staff/everyday users to clarify their needs. The ‘staff’ get the complaints and knows the current limitations of the actual installation.



6.2 Network requirements

Possible Issue:May result in a network with limited throughput and coverage.
Action:Make an estimate on the usage in peak hours. Remember, the internet connection into the installation (potential bottleneck).



6.3 Expected coverage

Possible Issue:Deadspots or areas with a poor WLAN connection. May result in reduced speed on individual endpoints (air time usage).
Action:Make sure, that site owner understands the need for additional endpoints, to ensure the coverage if this is needed.



6.4 Building materials

Possible Issue:Poor WLAN propagation & deterioration in some areas, due to high-density building or shielding materials.
Action:Visually inspection can give an experienced installer an idea of the needed endpoint deployment. If in doubt complete a site survey/heatmap.



6.5 Interference

Possible Issue:Poor WLAN propagation & deterioration in some areas, due to interference on mostly 2.4GHz & 5GHz.
Action:Locate/identify none-WLAN transmitting sources like 2.4GHz transmitters, microwave ovens etc.



6.6 Existing WLANs & SSID

Possible Issue:Interference & confusement on utilized SSIDs.
Action:Distinct clearly between SSIDs if 2 systems are needed. Reduce interference by utilizing the correct channels on both 2.4GHz & 5GHz.



6.7 Future plans for the site

Possible Issue:Any reconstruction or changes to the site can have an impact on the finished installation.
Action:If there any future plan in reconstructing/expanding/repairing the site or part of the site, take into consideration these plans or aware the client of the effect of these plans.