The invention relates to a communication system with proactive network maintenance and methods for use therewith. A transmitter for use in a cable modem termination system is provided. The system includes a data processing module that generates a plurality of OFDM symbols from a data packet. A probe symbol generator generates a probe symbol, as one of a plurality of probe symbol types. The probe symbol is selectively inserted within the plurality of OFDM symbols, at a pre-defined probe symbol interval.