Delivery: Online | Est. Length: 16 Seat Hours | Price: $670.00
Course Overview
The NCTI Troubleshooting Advanced Services course is the “Master Class” for premise technicians. It builds on the foundational knowledge of the Broadband Digital Installer course, shifting the focus entirely to the art and science of troubleshooting.
Real-world networks are rarely perfect. This course teaches the mindset and methodology required to diagnose complex issues across all three service areas: Digital Video, Data/Wi-Fi, and Voice. Students will move beyond basic meter readings to analyze Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) constellations, identify specific digital video artifacts (macroblocking, freezing), and resolve elusive Wi-Fi Interference issues that frustrate customers.
Who Should Attend:
- Senior Installers
- Service Technicians
- Quality Assurance (QA) Techs
- Technicians preparing for SCTE BPT/BTCS Certification
What You Will Learn
Upon completion, students will be able to systematically isolate faults in the customer premises, distinguishing between plant issues, wiring defects, and customer equipment failures.
Core Competencies:
- Digital Video Diagnostics: Identify visual artifacts (pixelation, tiling) and trace them to their source, troubleshooting Set-Top Boxes (STB) and HDMI interface issues.
- Signal Analysis: Interpret MER/BER measurements and QAM constellations to quantify channel quality and diagnose modulation errors.
- DOCSIS 3.0 & 3.1: Explain the features of the DOCSIS architecture and how to resolve high-speed data transmission problems in the drop system.
- Wi-Fi Optimization: Troubleshoot signal strength issues, identify sources of Non-Wi-Fi Interference (microwaves, baby monitors), and assess client device limitations.
- Voice & Wiring: Identify common twisted-pair wiring defects (shorts, grounds, crosses) and use Tone Generators and inductive probes to locate faults behind walls.
- The Troubleshooter’s Mindset: Apply a structured philosophy to problem-solving that improves efficiency and customer confidence.
Certification and Benefits
Solve the Problems Others Can’t
This course equips technicians with the advanced diagnostic skills needed to resolve chronic issues and prevent repeat truck rolls.
Additional Benefits:
- SCTE Prep: Excellent preparation for SCTE Broadband Premises Technician (BPT) and Broadband Telecom Center Specialist (BTCS) certifications.
- Certification Path: Credits apply toward the NCTI Master Technician certification.
- Industry Recognition: Receive the NCTI Certificate of Graduation.
Course Outline
Module 1: Digital Video Troubleshooting
- Assessing the troubleshooting process.
- Artifacts: Identifying pixelation and freezing sources.
- Equipment: Set-Top Box and HDMI diagnostics.
Module 2: Quantifying Channel Quality
- Defining digital measurements (MER/BER).
- Interpreting QAM constellations and modulation parameters.
Module 3: Data and Wi-Fi
- DOCSIS: Evolution to 3.0/3.1 and premise resolution.
- Wi-Fi: Signal strength, interference types, and client capabilities.
Module 4: Voice and Wiring
- Wiring: Twisted-pair defects and troubleshooting techniques.
- Tools: Using Tone Generators, Inductive Probes, and Cable Testers.
- IP Voice: Diagnosing eMTA and service problems.