User's Manual

10 Appendix A: Troubleshooting
10.1 Preventative Maintenance
Administering and maintaining your system properly can prevent many problems and
alert you to minor problems before they become serious. Some recommendations
follow.
• Measure and document system performance at the time of the original
installation.
• Change menu passwords so that only authorized people can reconfigure the
system.
• Maintain the integrity of the system design when adding to or changing a
system. The introduction of new elements to a system can cause problems
unless you revise the network plan to take into account the changes. For
example, improper installation of a co-located antenna can add unwanted
system interference.
• Keep records of all changes. Especially document the addition of units,
hardware and software changes, and changes to configuration settings.
Conf iguration errors often cause other problems. Current records can be
compared with original installation records and function as benchmarks to help
in troubleshooting.
• Keep a log of past and present problems and solutions. Store the log on-site for
easy reference, if possible. The log identifies common failure points and f ixes.
Before contacting EION’s Technical Assistance Center, document the symptoms
of the fault and the steps taken to diagnose and fix the problem. Record the
current conf iguration of the system.
• Perform preventive maintenance at a regular interval, for example every six
months.
• Perform link monitor tests to verify the system after periods of extreme
weather, and inspect towers, antennas, ODUs, cables, and connectors for
damage.
• Monitor system performance regularly. Environmental change as well as normal
wear and tear on components can affect system performance.
• In some cases a bench test is a useful tool in diagnosing problems.
10.2 Troubleshooting Areas
There are four areas to keep in mind with troubleshooting:
1. Network integrity: The continued performance and reliability of a network
depend upon maintaining the integrity of the network. I f you change a
network’s design, you will affect its operation. Be aware of recent changes to
your network.
2. Quality of RF links: Data communication depends first on good RF links. If
you establish and maintain high-quality RF links, then you can be sure the links
will carry high-speed data. I f the quality of the RF links degrades for some
reason, the quality of the data and the associated performance will also
LibraPlus 5860 User Guide Appendix A: Troubleshooting: Preventative Maintenance Page 73 of 95