Powering a CATV System

A cable television network is becoming more of a communications network than a simple distribution system for entertainment. CATV systems today are carrying data and voice communications as well as the entertainment channels. The power requirements for a communications network are far different than a simple entertainment network and the method of powering the network is considerably different than techniques familiar to telephone power and carrier engineers. The paper considers the unique power requirements of the outside plant amplifiers and discusses the various problems anticipated with the present powering techniques. Various solutions are developed utilizing commercially available equipment and proposed equipment. The head end, or source of the signals, must also be considered for reliable power. Solutions are developed that are unique to this particular application.