A network element of a cable television network includes at least a first and a second upstream amplifier stage, a first attenuator and a first equalizer between the first and the second amplifier stage, and a second attenuator after the second upstream amplifier stage in upstream signal path direction. A target value is determined for total attenuation of the components of the amplifier. The total attenuation is a sum of attenuations of the first attenuator, the first equalizer, and the second attenuator. The attenuation of the first equalizer is preset. The attenuation of the first attenuator is set to a maximum value such the sum of the attenuations of the first attenuator and the first equalizer is below a first threshold value. The attenuation of the second attenuator is set such that the total attenuation reaches the target value.