Fibercoax

Fibercoax, short for hybrid fiber-coaxial network, is a broadband delivery architecture that combines optical fiber and coaxial cable to provide high-speed data and video services. In typical deployments, fiber runs from the service provider’s central office to a distribution node near the neighborhood, while coaxial cable carries signals from the node to individual premises. The arrangement is widely known as hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC).

The downstream path carries video, data, and multicast services, while the upstream uses a return channel. Data is carried using DOCSIS standards, with DOCSIS 3.0 and later versions enabling wider channel bonding; today DOCSIS 3.1 or higher can support multi-gigabit speeds. Because the coax segment is shared among subscribers on a given node, actual throughput can vary with the number of users and signal quality.

Performance and deployment characteristics: HFC networks can deliver substantial speeds at lower costs than full fiber to the home, making them common for cable operators. Upgrades typically involve expanding the fiber plant and upgrading headend equipment and amplifiers, sometimes reducing node size or adding more nodes to improve capacity. Range and distance from the node, as well as plant quality, influence performance.

Industry context: Fibercoax is widely used for broadband and video delivery and remains a major technology option in many regions. It contrasts with fiber-to-the-home, which runs fiber directly to each residence and offers symmetric bandwidth and greater future-proofing, but at higher cost and longer deployment times.