Common Path Distortion (CPD) is one of the most frustrating and time-consuming problems facing cable networks today. CPD is caused by a deficiency within the connection point of the network that results in a metal-to-metal oxidation over time at the contact interface. This is commonly referred to as the diode effect as this process actually forms a rough diode. CPD can greatly diminish network performance and reliability. If left untreated, the end result is a disruption to your analog and digital video, high-speed Internet, and especially your digital voice. The diode characteristic of CPD is what makes it so difficult to troubleshoot and find. The diode cell continuously changes levels and frequently breaks down – cycling on and off. When you're out looking for it, it may appear to be gone. The act of putting up a ladder may be enough to temporarily discharge the cell. Because of this, identifying and addressing CPD can involve countless man hours. Even worse, it can lead to long periods of costly downtime, pointless truck rolls and unsatisfied customers. This is because conventional CPD tracking methods are inaccurate, ineffective and unreliable at locating CPD at its source. In other words, they can tell you if CPD is present, but they can't help you locate it.