a basic cable system works as follows information is received
via satellite from the information providers also known as a
channel in what is known as a head end where they process the
signal and insert it into qualms which leave the head end on fiber
optic cable by laser till it gets to the neighborhood or
neighborhoods where there are subscribers. the fiber optics then
hit what is called a node. at the node a fiber optical receiver
changes it from light into db which is then sent out on
distribution style coaxial cable usually a plastic based coating
quantum reach style cable or qr cable. it then hits an amplifier
where it is jumped up to about 40 db give or take as it travels
down the street. where there is a house there is a tap in the qr
cable, which is where the coaxial cable people are most familiar
with starts