Written by John Dickson on April 11, 2017
So we’ve discussed the Undeniable Power Monitoring Downstream can have on your operation. We’ve also discussed the different methods out there and how they stack up to one another. So now you’ve realized that the reduced number of truck rolls, the empowerment of your customer service agents and the cost savings are exactly what your operation needs. Great! So where do you start? We know preparation is an important part of any plan, so we’ve come up with three practical ways you can be ready to monitor downstream.
1. Know Your Modems
The first, and arguably the most important step, is taking the time to understand the specifics and inner-workings of the modems you are servicing and deploying. Different modems have different monitoring capabilities, so knowing your modems will help you know the options that your modems have available. For monitoring downstream, you need a modem that can deliver “downstream spectrum capture.”
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>2. Keep Your Firmware Up-to-Date
Ensuring that the firmware is up-to-date on deployed modems is vital. If the firmware isn’t kept current, then switching the way you do monitoring is going to be a much larger task. This is because employing a new monitoring strategy requires updated firmware. For any modems in the field that have outdated firmware, they will either need to be upgraded, replaced or excluded from your new monitoring plan. So be sure to track your firmware in your modem reporting with the features you want to use, and make sure you have the ability to upgrade that firmware.
>3. Stay in Contact with Modem Vendors
Maintaining a regular and positive relationship with modem vendors will pay dividends in multiple ways. In terms of solely monitoring though, these relationships will help you stay informed about the most recent technology, firmware updates, modem offerings and a wide range of other information. You can then use this knowledge to routinely evaluate and make informed decisions about current cost effectiveness, possibilities for upgrading and the viability of switching equipment.