An echo cancellation training method in a cable modern is provided, comprising receiving an echo cancellation service ID (EC SID) assigned for echo cancellation training, the cable modem receiving the EC SID from a cable head end in an information element (IE) in a map (MAP or P-MAP) defining a time and frequency of upstream transmission opportunities for the cable modem, the EC SID establishing when the cable modem may perform the echo cancellation training in a downstream channel allocated to the cable modem, transmitting an echo cancellation test signal upstream to the cable head end via an upstream channel allocated to the cable modem and in a time slot specified by the received EC SID in the map, and measuring noise in one or more downstream channels allocated to the cable modem, with the noise resulting from the transmission of the echo cancellation test signal on the upstream channel.