The Evolution of Cable TV Networks

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses cable network evolution and related technology innovations, and their impacts on business and operations. The chapter provides brief overview of the conventional coaxial cable network and its migration to the hybrid fiber coax (HFC) architecture. Further, the chapter describes the commonly used modern broadband cable infrastructure, including the metro networks, the secondary hub networks, and the Fiber-to-the Serving Area (FSA) distribution networks. The evolutions of the HFC network and technology advances that continually drive the network evolution are concluded. It is noted that the HFC systems were able to deliver in excess of 80 channels of analog video and a wide band suitable for digital broadcast and interactive services over a distance of 60 km. The high-speed Internet access and voice–over–IP make HFC a part of the telecommunications access network. With the advent of linear lightwave technology, the advanced RF modem, and the DSP technology, cable network operators have embarked on extensive upgrades and on the transition to the hybrid fiber coax (HFC) architectures. The main goal is to evolve the infrastructure from a broadcast–type trunk–and–branch plant to a high-capacity two–way network with superior quality and reliability that can deliver advanced telecommunications services.