Insight into the extent of status monitoring systems and their impact on cable systems is required by cable operators. While these systems have been suggested as a means of providing early warning and failure location to improve maintainability, their usage is yet to be widespread.
An approach to a status monitoring system with reverse disconnect features will be discussed. Design tradeoffs will be examined. System results will be studied to relate benefits and possible disadvantages.
With the extension of cable system usage beyond entertainment services, reliability and ease of maintenance have increased in importance. Marketability of cable services can be enhanced through proper monitoring of distribution plant.