Channel and test plans are implemented in connection with a plurality of nodes that communicate signals. The channel plan enables a monitoring system to, among other things, conduct automatic periodic test plans, comprising tests, on the nodes, based upon the predefined data specified in the channel plan. The monitoring system includes a controller controlling a spectrum analyzer and a node interface switch. Notably, the controller also enables user friendly plan set-up and warning interface logic implementation. The warning interface logic generates a channel percent advisory indicator on the display device within a channel level interface component upon an occurrence of an advisory event in a channel associated therewith and generates a channel critical alarm indicator on the display device within a channel level interface component upon an occurrence of a critical event in a channel associated therewith.