Home network characterization method and system

A system for characterizing a wiring network, the system comprising:

• a test controller comprising:
• a user interface for receiving input from a user, and
• a controller processor for generating commands based on the input from the user;
• a first probe comprising:
• an RF transmitter for transmitting an RF signal into the wiring network in response to one of the commands from the test controller,
• a receiver for receiving a reflected signal from the wiring network, the reflected signal generated by the wiring network in response to the RF signal, and
• a measuring circuit for measuring the reflected signal so as to obtain measurements of the reflected signal;
• and,
• a second probe external to the test controller, comprising:
• an RF transmitter for transmitting an RF signal into the wiring network in response to one of the commands from the test controller,
• a receiver for receiving the commands from the test controller, and
• an impedance switch for changing an impedance of the second probe between a nominal impedance and a mismatch impedance different from the nominal impedance, in response to one of the commands from the test controller;
• wherein the test controller is configured to command:
• the first probe to perform a first reflectometry test when the impedance of the second probe is equal to the nominal impedance,
• the second probe to change its impedance between the nominal impedance and the mismatch impedance, and
• the first probe to perform a second reflectometry test when the impedance of the second probe is equal to the mismatch impedance;
• and,
• wherein the test controller is configured to process the measurements of the reflected signals obtained by the first probe in the first and second reflectometry tests so as to provide a characterization of the wiring network.