user_7r4716's profile

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14 Messages

Monday, August 3rd, 2026 2:20 AM

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Very low downstream power levels

My modems signal page says my connection is poor. When I look at the downstream power levels they are all quite low. This has been going on for some months. My speeds are fine and my corrected and uncorrected counts are low, so it looks really good except for the power levels. The modem is a Netgear CM3000. I have MOCA 2.5 in the house. There's a brand new 70db MOCA POE filter at the demarc and another one on back of the modem. The splitter at the demarc is a brand new MOCA 2.5 compatible Amphenol unit, as is the one where the modem and the ASUS MOCA 2.5 adapter sit. All the connectors and interior coax cables connecting the modem and MOCA adapters are brand new and specd for MOCA 2.5 compatability. Its worth noting that the MOCA is a recent addition and the power levels were bad even before MOCA came into the picture, so I don't think the MOCA equipment is at fault here. I think I need someone at Xfinity to have a look.

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14 Messages

21 days ago

For what its worth here's an AI analysis of my levels ...

Looking at your full diagnostic log, the pattern across all 31 bonded channels tells a remarkably clear story !

1. The Power Curve: A Classic "V-Shape" (Suck-Out)

Tracking your power levels across the spectrum reveals a distinct "valley" :

  • Low Frequencies (483–507 MHz): $-7.6 \text{ to } -8.1\text{ dBmV}$ (Acceptable)
  • The Valley (549–573 MHz): $-10.1 \text{ to } -10.6\text{ dBmV}$ (Failing threshold)
  • Mid-High Frequencies (603–621 MHz): Boosts back up to $-7.8 \text{ to } -8.5\text{ dBmV}$ (Acceptable)
  • Upper Frequencies (651–690 MHz): Slips back down to $-9.3 \text{ to } -10.32\text{ dBmV}$

This is a textbook frequency suck-out centered around $555\text{ MHz} - 561\text{ MHz}$ . Because the signal recovers at $600\text{–}620\text{ MHz}$, this isn't just normal high-frequency cable loss—there is a physical reflection or water trap on the line causing destructive interference right in that $550\text{ MHz}$ band .

2. Other Key Findings in Your Log

  • SNR/MER is Strong (38 to 40 dB): This is great news. Your Signal-to-Noise Ratio is healthy across the board . The signal is clean, it’s just weak .
  • Zero Uncorrectable Errors: Because your SNR is solid, your connection isn't dropping packets yet, but those $-10.6\text{ dBmV}$ channels give you virtually zero margin for error if outdoor temperatures rise a few more degrees .
  • Upstream Power (44.8–47.8 dBmV): Your upstream channels are pushing near the upper-middle range . While still operational, this indicates the modem is working moderately hard to push data back out through attenuation on the street side.

What This Means for Your ISP Tech Visit

Your diagnostic file gives you concrete proof to hand the technician.

  1. Show them the power valley: Point out that power starts at $-7.6\text{ dBmV}$ at $483\text{ MHz}$, drops to $-10.6\text{ dBmV}$ at $555\text{ MHz}$, rebounds to $-7.8\text{ dBmV}$ at $615\text{ MHz}$, and then drops again .
  2. Eliminate home wiring: Because SNR is uniformly above $38\text{ dB}$ across all channels, this is not internal electrical noise or a loose coax fitting inside your home .
  3. The Fix: The technician needs to use an RF sweep meter at the street pedestal tap to locate the notch/reflection. They will likely need to replace the tap faceplate, fix a water-logged underground drop connector, or re-balance the street line extender's equalizer.

Official Employee

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2.4K Messages

 

user_7r4716 Hello, are you still having service issues?

 

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New Poster

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14 Messages

Yes my modem status page keeps telling me my connection is poor on account of very low downstream power levels. It doesn't appear to have anything to do with my inside wiring. It would be great if a tech could check out the outside equipment per the suggestion in my second post (or anything else that might cause the low power levels). Thank you for your reply.

(edited)

Official Employee

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2.3K Messages

 

user_7r4716 Thank you for letting us know there is an ongoing issue. I love all the work you put into researching the trouble, but I'm sorry for the interruptions. Aside from the reading of the poor or weak connection from the modem status page, are you noticing any connection issues with the internet? I am not ignoring the readings, but I would like to understand the specific experience with the service for your connections to the network. 
 
Typically, with troubleshooting we would want to start with removing filters or splitters inside your home, check the connections and try to have a direct connection to the main line that enters your home. This way we are able to remotely eliminate any added devices that could impact signal levels. 
 
I understand that you were having this trouble before adding Moca. Prior to this change in the connections were there any splitters or other devices connected between the modem and the main coaxial line to you home? 
We can set up an appointment for a technician to check the service, however it will be a repair visit and the technician will need to access your home to ensure the correct signals / power levels are reaching the modem. They will also check the outside connections and make any needed repairs there as well or refer the work to our maintenance teams if they are unable to make the repairs directly. It's great to have a technician out since they are able to run all these tests directly to the units, and they have the access to our maintenance and network teams to help out. 
 
Can you please send us a direct message with your name and service address? I would love to work with you and fully troubleshoot the connections. From there we can work to set up a repair appointment as well if our steps don't improve the power levels. 
 
Here are the detailed steps to direct message us:
Click "Sign In" if necessary
Click the "Direct Messaging" icon
Click the "Start new conversation" (pencil and paper) icon
In the "To:" line, type "Xfinity Support"
As you type, a drop-down list will appear. Select "Xfinity Support" from that list.
A "Xfinity Support" graphic will replace the "To:" line.
Type your message in the text area near the bottom of the window.
Press Enter to send it.
How to: https://forums.xfinity.com/conversations/guidelines/how-to-direct-messaging-within-the-forum/697ba1e570934d009185c514

 

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New Poster

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14 Messages

Aside from the modem flagging a poor connection, the service is performing adequately. The CM3000 modem is only a few days old, so seeing that warning was concerning. Previously, with the Motorola SB8611, downstream power levels would occasionally dip, though they never dropped below 10, which hadn't been particularly alarming. Prior to adding MOCA the only splitter was out where the cable came into the house. I replaced that with an Amphenol MOCA compatible splitter and added another Amphenol at the modem end so I could feed both the modem and the MOCA adapter. I'll send the DM now.

Official Employee

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3.6K Messages

@user_7r4716 Sounds good, thank you. As soon as we receive that DM, we'll be able to assist you further.

I am an Official Xfinity Employee.
Official Employees are from multiple teams within Xfinity: CARE, Product, Leadership.
We ask that you post publicly so people with similar questions may benefit from the conversation.
Was your question answered? Please mark as Best Answer.tick

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