Monitoring system and method implementing an automatic test plan

摘要

Channel and test plans are implemented in connection with a plurality of nodes that communicate signals. The channel plan has one or more predefined specifications for each of one or more signal channels on each of the nodes. The channel plan enables a monitoring system to generate and conduct automatic periodic node test plans based upon the predefined specifications. Each test plan prescribes measurement of at least one node and/or channel signal parameter. The monitoring system includes a spectrum analyzer, a switch enabling the spectrum analyzer to interface with the nodes, and a controller. The controller is configured to enable creation of and display the channel plan and test plan, and to automate the node testing. The test plan may include alarm thresholds that are triggered and tracked when a signal parameter of a node or channel exceeds an alarm threshold.