The best way to prevent outages is to catch network issues early, before customers feel them. This course introduces Proactive Network Maintenance (PNM), why it matters, and how to use it to reduce service-impacting problems before they escalate. You’ll start with what PNM is and how it evolved, then work step-by-step through a practical troubleshooting workflow: analyze, localize, prioritize, repair, and validate.
Through guided practice with the core tools used throughout the program, you’ll learn what “normal” looks like so you can recognize abnormal signatures faster in later courses. You’ll learn about uses and best practices for PNM tools, including spectrum analysis, full band capture, and channel frequency response. The course includes knowledge checks and a final exam to confirm you can follow the PNM process and choose the right tool for the job.
Take this course before the PNM impairment courses to set yourself up for success.
Included in Course
- Video instruction with field-realistic examples showing what each impairment type looks like in actual network data
- Guided data interpretation exercises using channel frequency response (IFCR), full band capture, and spectrum analysis — focused on building pattern recognition, not just passive viewing
- Interactive troubleshooting scenarios that put you in the role of diagnosing and resolving real impairment situations
- Applied corrective-action walkthroughs that connect what you see in the data to what you do in the field
- End-of-course assessment that validates your ability to follow the full PNM workflow from analysis through validation
Target Audience
This course is designed for maintenance technicians, OSP technicians, and field supervisors who are responsible for troubleshooting and maintaining outside plant networks. It is also relevant for NOC analysts and network operations engineers who interpret network data and support field teams during escalations.
For managers: This course is appropriate for technicians who have completed Course 1 or have equivalent working knowledge of PNM concepts and tools. It is not recommended as a standalone course for technicians new to outside plant maintenance or plant-level troubleshooting.
Recommended Prerequisites
No prerequisites are required to enroll. This course series is open to anyone looking to build or strengthen their proactive network maintenance skills.
The PNM course series includes:
Course 1: PNM Fundamentals and Workflow
Learn why PNM matters and how to follow a structured troubleshooting workflow using core tools and baseline network signatures.
Course 2: Reflection, Impedance and Distortion Impairments
Spot, localize and fix standing waves, amplitude ripple, resonant peaking, common path distortion and common mode disturbance.
Course 3: Frequency Response and Filtering Impairments
Identify filters and missing channels, suckouts, rolloff and pullout patterns using PNM analysis methods.
Course 4: Signal Level and Balance Impairments
Diagnose adjacent channel alignment issues, excessive tilt, flat loss and upstream receive level problems.
Course 5: Noise and Distortion Impairments
Troubleshoot amplifier distortion noise, impulse and burst noise, narrowband interference, HPNA and OBI.