The present invention relates to testing signals on a coaxial home network that carries a digital video signal. It has direct application to testing Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) standards-compliant networks and applies to similar networks such as Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS), Ethernet, and Wi-Fi. An embedded expert system can guide an inexperienced operator through the process of evaluating and resolving problems with a home network with little operator input.