Controlling margins in a
DSL modem pair is based on collected operational data. The operational data is analyzed and at least one of the modems in the modem pair is instructed to use a margin-related parameter value to assist the modem pair in meeting a margin target, such as a margin limit imposed by a DSL standard or the like. A controller, such as a DSM Center, a “smart” modem unit and / or a computer
system can collect and analyze the operational data and generate one or more margin-related parameter values. The margin-related parameter value may be a PSD-related value, such as the MAXNOMPSD, MAXNOMATP or PSDMASK parameter used by various ADSL systems, and may be a shaped
spectral mask and / or caps or limits on bit loading for use in transmissions between the modems. In some cases, preference bands can be imposed to direct modems to favor and / or avoid certain frequencies in the modem's
usable band(s). The operational data may include historical data relating to prior performance of the modem pair and prior margin compliance. A distribution of margins also may be based on operational data and may be estimated as a function of
data rate. Using the estimated margin distribution, a distribution of performance parameters also is calculated, including the probabilities of line outages and probabilities of one or more error parameters exceeding minimum levels. Data rates and / or performance-related parameters may be set on the basis of the estimated performance of the
system using various margin settings and levels.