Cable Modem Theory

by: Rolf V. Østergaard

What Is A CATV Network - Page 3

A CATV network is designed and used for cable TV distribution. With an upgrade of the system, it is normally possible to allow signals to flow in both directions. Higher frequencies flow toward the subscriber (you?) and the lower frequencies go in the other direction. This is done by upgrades to the amplifiers in the cable distribution network etc.

Most CATV networks are Hybrid Fibre-Coax (HFC) networks. The signals run in fiber-optical cables from the Head-End center to locations near the subscriber. At that point the signal is converted to coaxial cables, that run to the subscriber premisses.

One CMTS will normally drive about 1-2000 simultanous Cable Modem users on a single TV channel. If more Cable Modems are required, the number of TV channels are increased by adding more channels to the CMTS.