FibreCoax

FibreCoax refers to a hybrid fiber-coaxial network architecture used to deliver broadband internet, television, and other services. In a typical FibreCoax deployment, fiber runs from the service provider’s central office to an optical node placed in a neighborhood, while coaxial cable carries signals from that node to individual premises. This arrangement combines the high capacity of fiber with the widespread reach of coaxial distribution.

The fiber portion provides high-bandwidth, low-latency transport over long distances, while the coaxial last mile distributes multiplexed signals to subscribers. Data transmission over the coax segment is commonly handled using DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) standards. At the network edge, equipment such as a cable modem termination system (CMTS) at the headend interfaces with customer premises equipment (CPE) including cable modems and, for video services, set-top boxes.

Advantages of FibreCoax include leveraging existing coax infrastructure to deliver high-speed services more cost-effectively than an all-fiber approach, enabling relatively quick deployment and scalable upgrades. It supports multiple services over a single shared network, which can be efficient in dense markets. Limitations arise from the shared bandwidth on the coax segment, which can lead to contention during peak use, and from potential signal degradation over longer coax runs or in older plant. Upgrades often focus on upgrading DOCSIS standards, improving node capacity, or extending fiber deeper into the network (fiber to the node or fiber to the curb) to increase overall capacity.

FibreCoax systems are commonly associated with hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) networks and are contrasted with full-fiber deployments such as fiber to the home (FTTH). They remain widely used by cable operators worldwide.