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highfalutin60's avatar
May 12, 2024

How to read/understand the cable diagnostics on the Nighthawk CAX80.

Hardware Version1.01
 
Firmware VersionV2.1.5.2
 
Cable Firmware VersionV1.02.08
 

When the connection on the Nighthawk CAX80 changes from good to poor due to the downstream status, how can you determine if it is a cable company issue or could it be a device on your network issue.

I reset my Nighthawk CAX80 after the Xfinity repair guy was here to address the poor downstream connection and sporadic connection issues.  The service person stated he "made some changes/updates at the box" so that I would not be charged the $100 Xfinity service fee.  What those changes are I have no clue.

As I started to add various devices back on to my CAX80, I noticed that the downstream status would change from good to poor sporadically. First, I thought it was my Wyze cameras causing the issue and decided to order 3db Coax Cable Attenuator Pad based on the various test results I was getting yesterday.  At the end of the night, I had a poor connection and the downstream was poor, Downstream Power Level: Poor
Downstream power is poor (11.0dBmV). The recommended level is between -10dBmV to 10dBmV.

This morning, I noticed that after turning of my Vizio TV, the connection is now back at good again and when I turn the tv on it goes back to poor.  The Vizio is old (2003), came with built in wireless/wired internet.  I have noticed that the wireless never finds the Nighthawk or any other router except for the Verizon FIOS router.  Attempted to hardwire the tv to the EAX80 right next to it and TV states that it is disconnected.  I left the tv plugged into the EAX80 and powered it off.  So far everything is ok.  I usually have about 10-15 devices online/plugged at one time throughout the house such as Firesticks/airtv, cameras/doorbell, alarm clock, iPhones, iPad, and computers.  Just curious what everyone things. I can send the logs to Xfinity, but I know the game and they are going to blame the router and say it's not their problem, they were already here.  I can't tell if it is a hardware issue or is Xfinity playing games with me.  Any ideas/suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  I think I provided enough detail on my environment. Building is a condo 3 floors, and yes, the CAX80 is in the basement, no choice, about 1200sq ft. EAX80 and the Vizio tv is on the 2nd floor. Thank you.

 

7 Replies

  • What Firmware version is currently loaded?
    Please post a copy and paste of the modems connection status and event log page.
    https://kb.netgear.com/30007/How-do-I-obtain-the-cable-connection-information-from-a-NETGEAR-cable-modem-modem-router
    https://kb.netgear.com/30008/How-do-I-view-or-clear-the-event-logs-on-my-NETGEAR-cable-modem-or-modem-router

     

    Power needs to be in between these specs for NG modems and gateways:

    https://kb.netgear.com/24311/Power-level-guidelines-for-a-NETGEAR-cable-modem-router

     

    Basements are not recommended places for wifi routers or gateways. Concrete and steel will inhibit good signal travel. 

     

    • highfalutin60's avatar
      highfalutin60
      Aspirant

      What Firmware version is currently loaded?

      Firmware VersionV2.1.5.2
       
      Cable Firmware VersionV1.02.08

      Please post a copy and paste of the modems connection status and event log page. (Including the modem connection status 5/11/2024 for comparison)

      Cable Connection
      Cancel Apply
      Cable Diagnostic
      Status:   Good
      Action:   Your setup looks fine. If you are still experience an internet issue, the Netgear Cable Knowledge Base can provide additional troubleshooting info.
      Internet Access: 
      Downstream Status: 
      Upstream Status: 
       Refresh Save Cable Diagnostic Info
       
      Advanced Information
      Frequency Start Value
      This field below allows you to modify the frequency the cable modem start with its scan during initialization and registration. Enter the new start frequency and restart the cable modem for it to take effect.
      Starting Frequency
       
      Startup Procedure
      ProcedureStatusComment
      Acquire Downstream Channel651 MHzLocked
      Connectivity StateOKOperational
      Boot StateOKOperational
      SecurityEnabledBPI+
       
      Downstream Bonded Channels
      ChannelLock StatusModulationChannel IDFrequencyPowerSNRCorrectablesUncorrectables
      1Locked256 QAM44651000000 Hz9.1 dBmV44.5 dB00
      2Locked256 QAM13465000000 Hz9.7 dBmV46.0 dB00
      3Locked256 QAM14471000000 Hz9.7 dBmV46.0 dB00
      4Locked256 QAM15477000000 Hz9.9 dBmV46.0 dB00
      5Locked256 QAM16483000000 Hz9.8 dBmV46.0 dB00
      6Locked256 QAM17489000000 Hz9.7 dBmV45.9 dB00
      7Locked256 QAM18495000000 Hz9.7 dBmV46.0 dB00
      8Locked256 QAM19501000000 Hz9.7 dBmV45.8 dB00
      9Locked256 QAM20507000000 Hz9.6 dBmV45.8 dB00
      10Locked256 QAM21513000000 Hz9.4 dBmV45.7 dB00
      11Locked256 QAM22519000000 Hz9.4 dBmV45.7 dB00
      12Locked256 QAM23525000000 Hz9.4 dBmV45.7 dB00
      13Locked256 QAM24531000000 Hz9.2 dBmV45.6 dB00
      14Locked256 QAM25537000000 Hz9.1 dBmV45.5 dB00
      15Locked256 QAM26543000000 Hz9.0 dBmV45.4 dB00
      16Locked256 QAM27549000000 Hz8.9 dBmV45.4 dB00
      17Locked256 QAM28555000000 Hz8.8 dBmV45.3 dB00
      18Locked256 QAM29561000000 Hz8.7 dBmV45.2 dB00
      19Locked256 QAM30567000000 Hz8.7 dBmV45.2 dB00
      20Locked256 QAM31573000000 Hz8.6 dBmV45.1 dB00
      21Locked256 QAM32579000000 Hz8.6 dBmV45.1 dB00
      22Locked256 QAM33585000000 Hz8.6 dBmV45.0 dB00
      23Locked256 QAM34591000000 Hz8.8 dBmV45.1 dB00
      24Locked256 QAM35597000000 Hz8.8 dBmV45.1 dB00
      25Locked256 QAM36603000000 Hz8.8 dBmV45.0 dB00
      26Locked256 QAM37609000000 Hz8.8 dBmV45.0 dB00
      27Locked256 QAM38615000000 Hz8.9 dBmV45.1 dB00
      28Locked256 QAM39621000000 Hz9.0 dBmV45.0 dB00
      29Locked256 QAM40627000000 Hz8.9 dBmV45.0 dB00
      30Locked256 QAM41633000000 Hz8.9 dBmV44.9 dB00
      31Locked256 QAM42639000000 Hz9.2 dBmV45.0 dB00
      32Locked256 QAM43645000000 Hz9.0 dBmV45.0 dB00
       
      Upstream Bonded Channels
      ChannelLock StatusUS Channel TypeChannel IDSymbol RateFrequencyPower
      1LockedATDMA185120 Ksym/sec22800000 Hz33.0 dBmV
      2LockedATDMA175120 Ksym/sec16400000 Hz33.0 dBmV
      3LockedATDMA195120 Ksym/sec29200000 Hz32.8 dBmV
      4LockedATDMA205120 Ksym/sec35600000 Hz32.8 dBmV
      5Not LockedUnknown0000.0 dBmV
      6Not LockedUnknown0000.0 dBmV
      7Not LockedUnknown0000.0 dBmV
      8Not LockedUnknown0000.0 dBmV
       
      Downstream OFDM Channels
      ChannelLock
      Status
      Modulation /
      Profile ID
      Channel
      ID
      FrequencyPowerSNR /
      MER
      Active Subcarrier
      Number Range
      Unerrored
      Codewords
      Correctable
      Codewords
      Uncorrectable
      Codewords
      1Locked0 ,1 ,2 ,3193690000000 Hz9.58 dBmV44.6 dB508 ~ 35874091673681615786500
      2Locked0 ,1 ,2 ,3194957000000 Hz3.88 dBmV42.4 dB148 ~ 39474094105841913724050
       
      Upstream OFDMA Channels
      ChannelLock StatusModulation / Profile IDChannel IDFrequencyPower
      1Not Locked000 Hz0 dBmV
      2Not Locked000 Hz0 dBmV
       
      Extended Upstream Transmit Power
      Enable Extended Upstream Transmit Power
       
      Current System Time:Sun May 12 15:35:30 2024
      System Up Time:19:43:55
       

       

      • FURRYe38's avatar
        FURRYe38
        Guru

        Power levels are too high. I'd get a -6dbm cable coax line attenuator in between the modem and ISP cable line. 

         

        Any Criticals, Errors or Warnings seen in the event logs needs to be reviewed and resolved by the ISP. Indicates a signal issue on the ISP line up to the modem. Have the ISP check the signal and line quality UP to the modem. Be sure the ISP provisions the modem correctly.

         

         

    • highfalutin60's avatar
      highfalutin60
      Aspirant
      Event Log
      Clear Log Refresh
       
      TimePriorityDescription
      Sun May 12 05:29:51 2024Critical (3)Started Unicast Maintenance Ranging - No Response received - T3 time-out;CM-MAC=94:18:65:a6:1f:63;CMTS-MAC=00:90:f0:63:04:00;CM-QOS=1.1;CM-VER=3.1;
      Sun May 12 03:48:07 2024Notice (6)CM-STATUS message sent. Event Type Code: 24; Chan ID: 193; DSID: N/A; MAC Addr: N/A; OFDM/OFDMA Profile ID: 1 2.;CM-MAC=94:18:65:a6:1f:63;CMTS-MAC=00:90:f0:63:04:00;CM-QOS=1.1;CM-VER=3.1;
      Sun May 12 03:43:20 2024Notice (6)CM-STATUS message sent. Event Type Code: 16; Chan ID: 193; DSID: N/A; MAC Addr: N/A; OFDM/OFDMA Profile ID: 1.;CM-MAC=94:18:65:a6:1f:63;CMTS-MAC=00:90:f0:63:04:00;CM-QOS=1.1;CM-VER=3.1;
      Sun May 12 02:45:36 2024Critical (3)Started Unicast Maintenance Ranging - No Response received - T3 time-out;CM-MAC=94:18:65:a6:1f:63;CMTS-MAC=00:90:f0:63:04:00;CM-QOS=1.1;CM-VER=3.1;
      Sun May 12 01:13:00 2024Notice (6)CM-STATUS message sent. Event Type Code: 24; Chan ID: 193; DSID: N/A; MAC Addr: N/A; OFDM/OFDMA Profile ID: 1 2.;CM-MAC=94:18:65:a6:1f:63;CMTS-MAC=00:90:f0:63:04:00;CM-QOS=1.1;CM-VER=3.1;
      Sun May 12 01:10:07 2024Notice (6)CM-STATUS message sent. Event Type Code: 16; Chan ID: 193; DSID: N/A; MAC Addr: N/A; OFDM/OFDMA Profile ID: 1 2.;CM-MAC=94:18:65:a6:1f:63;CMTS-MAC=00:90:f0:63:04:00;CM-QOS=1.1;CM-VER=3.1;
      Sun May 12 01:09:59 2024Notice (6)CM-STATUS message sent. Event Type Code: 16; Chan ID: 193; DSID: N/A; MAC Addr: N/A; OFDM/OFDMA Profile ID: 2.;CM-MAC=94:18:65:a6:1f:63;CMTS-MAC=00:90:f0:63:04:00;CM-QOS=1.1;CM-VER=3.1;
      Sun May 12 01:09:12 2024Notice (6)CM-STATUS message sent. Event Type Code: 16; Chan ID: 193; DSID: N/A; MAC Addr: N/A; OFDM/OFDMA Profile ID: 1.;CM-MAC=94:18:65:a6:1f:63;CMTS-MAC=00:90:f0:63:04:00;CM-QOS=1.1;CM-VER=3.1;
      Sat May 11 22:58:28 2024Critical (3)Started Unicast Maintenance Ranging - No Response received - T3 time-out;CM-MAC=94:18:65:a6:1f:63;CMTS-MAC=00:90:f0:63:04:00;CM-QOS=1.1;CM-VER=3.1;
      Sat May 11 22:35:43 2024Notice (6)CM-STATUS message sent. Event Type Code: 4; Chan ID: 193 194; DSID: N/A; MAC Addr: N/A; OFDM/OFDMA Profile ID: N/A.;CM-MAC=94:18:65:a6:1f:63;CMTS-MAC=00:90:f0:63:04:00;CM-QOS=1.1;CM-VER=3.1;
      Sat May 11 22:35:16 2024Warning (5)MDD message timeout;CM-MAC=94:18:65:a6:1f:63;CMTS-MAC=00:90:f0:63:04:00;CM-QOS=1.1;CM-VER=3.1;
      Sat May 11 20:30:59 2024Critical (3)Started Unicast Maintenance Ranging - No Response received - T3 time-out;CM-MAC=94:18:65:a6:1f:63;CMTS-MAC=00:90:f0:63:04:00;CM-QOS=1.1;CM-VER=3.1;
      Sat May 11 19:53:02 2024Critical (3)UCD invalid or channel unusable;CM-MAC=94:18:65:a6:1f:63;CMTS-MAC=00:90:f0:63:04:00;CM-QOS=1.1;CM-VER=3.1;
      Sat May 11 19:53:00 2024Notice (6)DS profile assignment change. DS Chan ID: 33; Previous Profile: ; New Profile: 1 2 3.;CM-MAC=94:18:65:a6:1f:63;CMTS-MAC=00:90:f0:63:04:00;CM-QOS=1.1;CM-VER=3.1;
      Sat May 11 19:52:59 2024Notice (6)DS profile assignment change. DS Chan ID: 32; Previous Profile: ; New Profile: 1 2 3.;CM-MAC=94:18:65:a6:1f:63;CMTS-MAC=00:90:f0:63:04:00;CM-QOS=1.1;CM-VER=3.1;
      Sat May 11 19:52:34 2024Notice (6)TLV-11 - unrecognized OID;CM-MAC=94:18:65:a6:1f:63;CMTS-MAC=00:90:f0:63:04:00;CM-QOS=1.1;CM-VER=3.1;
      Thu Jan 1 00:00:51 1970Notice (6)Honoring MDD; IP provisioning mode = IPv6
      Thu Jan 1 00:00:45 1970Critical (3)UCD invalid or channel unusable;CM-MAC=94:18:65:a6:1f:63;CMTS-MAC=00:90:f0:63:04:00;CM-QOS=1.1;CM-VER=3.1;
      Thu Jan 1 00:00:43 1970Critical (3)SYNC Timing Synchronization failure - Failed to acquire QAM/QPSK symbol timing;;CM-MAC=94:18:65:a6:1f:63;CMTS-MAC=00:00:00:00:00:00;CM-QOS=1.1;CM-VER=3.1;
      Sat May 11 16:26:17 2024Critical (3)Started Unicast Maintenance Ranging - No Response received - T3 time-out;CM-MAC=94:18:65:a6:1f:63;CMTS-MAC=00:90:f0:63:04:00;CM-QOS=1.1;CM-VER=3.1;
      Sat May 11 15:14:12 2024Critical (3)UCD invalid or channel unusable;CM-MAC=94:18:65:a6:1f:63;CMTS-MAC=00:90:f0:63:04:00;CM-QOS=1.1;CM-VER=3.1;
      Thu Jan 1 00:00:46 1970Critical (3)UCD invalid or channel unusable;CM-MAC=94:18:65:a6:1f:63;CMTS-MAC=00:90:f0:63:04:00;CM-QOS=1.1;CM-VER=3.1;
      Thu Jan 1 00:00:43 1970Critical (3)SYNC Timing Synchronization failure - Failed to acquire QAM/QPSK symbol timing;;CM-MAC=94:18:65:a6:1f:63;CMTS-MAC=00:00:00:00:00:00;CM-QOS=1.1;CM-VER=3.1;