Cable Communications Technology

Cable is now as much in the broadband business as it is television. This book explains the fundamentals of coaxial cable technology and the DSP that controls it, along with the cable modem and voice over IP technology now drastically changing the cable operators’ business. Aimed at working engineers and technicians, it can also be used a textbook for the a basic cable communications course in a 2 year tech program. Contents 5 About the Author 7 Acknowledgments 8 Preface 9 Chapter 1 Introduction to Cable Communications Systems 11 Objectives 12 1.1 Cable Television History 12 1.2 Changes in Plant Design and Development 18 1.3 Changes in CATV Regulations and Requirements 39 Summary 46 Questions 47 Problems 48 Chapter 2 Coaxial Cable Systems and Networks 49 Objectives 50 2.1 Introduction 50 2.2 The Cable Distribution Plant 57 2.3 System Testing/Proof of Performance 85 Summary 91 Questions 92 Problems 93 Chapter 3 Headends and Signal Processing 95 Objectives 96 3.1 The Headend 96 3.2 Headend Electronic Equipment 106 3.3 Headend Powering and Monitoring 112 3.4 Satellite Systems 116 3.5 Microwave Systems Applications 127 Summary 139 Questions 140 Problems 140 Chapter 4 Fiber-Optic Technology in Cable Systems 143 Objectives 144 4.1 Introduction 144 4.2 Fiber-Optic Trunking and Cable Television Applications 163 4.3 Fiber-Optic Construction and Installations 175 4.4 Aerial Electronic Equipment 182 Summary 188 Questions 189 Problems 189 Chapter 5 Digital Technology and Cable System Applications 191 Objectives 192 5.1 A Short History of Digital Communications 192 5.2 Present Data Communications Systems 203 5.3 Telephone Systems and Digital Technology 212 5.4 Digital Video and HDTV 227 Summary 240 Questions 242 Problems 242 Chapter 6 Subscriber Installation and Terminal Devices 245 Objectives 246 6.1 The Subscriber Drop 246 6.2 Subscriber Converters 265 Summary 274 Questions 275 Problems 276 Chapter 7 Cable Plant Testing and Maintenance Procedures 277 Objectives 278 7.1 Instruments and Measurements 278 7.2 Cable System Tests and Measurements 289 7.3 Headend and Hub Testing 302 7.4 Fiber-Optic Plant 304 7.5 Digital Signal Testing 310 7.6 Typical System Problems and Solutions 316 Summary 334 Questions 336 Problems 337 Chapter 8 Cable System Network Design Considerations 339 Objectives 340 8.1 Types of Cable Communication Networks 340 8.2 Optical-Fiber Applications 352 8.3 The Interconnect Process 362 Summary 365 Questions 367 Appendix A: Proof and Discussion of Pertinent Equations 369 Appendix B: Transmission Line Calculations 377 Appendix C: Coaxial Cable System Powering 381 Appendix D: Broadband Noise Combining 383 Appendix E: Cascaded Amplifier Theory 385 Appendix F: Answers to Odd-Numbered Problems 393 Glossary 395 A 395 B 395 C 395 D 395 F 396 G 396 H 396 I 396 J 396 L 396 M 396 N 396 O 396 P 396 Q 397 R 397 S 397 T 397 V 397 W 397 References 399 Index 401 A 401 B 401 C 402 D 403 E 403 F 403 G 404 H 404 I 405 J 405 K 405 L 405 M 405 N 406 O 406 P 407 Q 407 R 407 S 408 T 409 U 410 V 410 W 410 X 410 Y 410 Instructor’s Manual for Cable Communications Technology 411 Contents 413 Preface to the Instructor’s Manual 415 Chapter 1 Introduction to Cable Communications Concepts 417 Questions and Answers 417 Problems and Solutions 419 Chapter 2 Coaxial Cable Systems and Networks 421 Questions and Answers 421 Problems and Solutions 422 Chapter 3 Headends and Signal Processing 425 Questions and Answers 425 Problems and Solutions 426 Chapter 4 Fiber-Optic Technology in Cable Systems 429 Questions and Answers 429 Problems and Solutions 430 Chapter 5 Digital Technology and Cable System Applications 433 Questions and Answers 433 Problems and Solutions 434 Chapter 6 Subscriber Installation and Terminal Devices 437 Questions and Answers 437 Problems and Solutions 438 Chapter 7 Cable Plant Testing and Maintenance Procedures 441 Questions and Answers 441 Problems and Solutions 443 Chapter 8 Cable System Network Design Considerations 445 Questions and Answers 445

PRACTICAL CABLE COMMUNICATIONS

Cable Communications Technology provides a fast track to hands-on mastery of the technical side of broadband cable. Written by an insider in this rapidly growing field, who is also a talented teacher, Eugene R. Bartlett's text lays out the practical instructions and explanations needed by those who make cable systems work. Perfect for engineers and technicians looking to update and expand their cable capabilities, this comprehensive tutorial is also the ideal text for educational courses and training programs. Each chapter opens with objectives and closes with worked examples and Q&A's for self-testing.

THE TOOLS TO UNDERSTAND, BUILD, INSTALL, SERVICE, AND MAINTAIN COMMUNICATIONS CABLE

• Fundamentals of broadband cable
  
  
• Coaxial systems and networks
  
  
• DSP (digital signal processing) for cable systems and networks
  
  
• Headend procedures and techniques, including powering
  
  
• Fiber optics--essentials and how-to's
  
  
• Cable modems
  
  
• Hooking up subscribers and terminal devices
  
  
• VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol)
  
  
• Testing and maintenance procedures
  
  
• Typical problems and solutions
  
  
• Network and system design considerations
  
  

INSIDE: HANDS-ON CABLE ESSENTIALS

Introduction to Cable Communications

Coaxial Cable Systems and Networks

Headends and Signal Processing

Fiber-Optic Technology in Cable Systems

Digital Technology and Cable System Applications

Subscriber Installation and Terminal Devices

Cable Plant Testing and Maintenance Procedures

Cable System Network Design Considerations

Eugene R. Bartlett has a bachelor's and master's degrees from Northeastern University in Boston. Mr. Bartlett is a Professional Engineer and holds an FCC Radio Broadcast License. After graduation, Mr. Bartlett was on the research staff at Northeastern University and an assistant professor teaching engineering courses. In 1971 Mr. Bartlett started his own business of marine electronics, radio, and television sales and service and formed the Nantucket Cablevision Corporation. Mr. Bartlett and his partners later formed Bay Cable Affiliates; the company designed and built modern cable television systems that served many Massachusetts communities. When the last system was sold, Mr. Bartlett continued to perform consulting services. Following a move to Florida, Mr. Bartlett returned to teaching and taught communication courses at ITT Technical Institute. Mr. Bartlett accepted a faculty position at Valencia Community College in Orlando, Florida, as a Professor of Engineering and Technology, teaching courses in communications systems, and continuing as an Adjunct Professor of Engineering Technology.