Hybrid Fiber Coaxial (HFC) network is a technology under telecommunications technology where fiber cables and coaxial cables are used in different-different portions of a network to carry all the data or its content. It carries data like videos, music, voice, recordings, etc.

Hybrid Fiber Coaxial (HFC) Access Network Manager is formed in order to support different variety of functions related to the operation and management of an HCF access plant. It allows for monitoring of the downstream and upstream transmission paths and supports the sectionalization of faults.

Working principle of HFC:

Fig: HFC Network Working:

From the above figure we can see that there is Headend which can be called as a HUB. In this headend system the output of the CMTS and QAM is mixed together and then send to the NODE via OFC. This node convert the fiber signal into coaxial signal. After this coaxial signal goes into the amplifier for amplification. Then this coaxial signal is distributed to various customers available in the field. The distance between HFC Node and Headend can be 50 KM or more than that.

HFC Network provides the downstream of 4.3 Gbps while upstream of 100 Mbps. Where downstream frequencies are from 54 – 750 MHz and upstream frequencies are from 5-42 MHz.

Further OFC network is used to cover the long distance while coaxial network is used to cover the short distance. Because OFC network provides the less amount of loss in signal in comparative coaxial network. In OFC network there can be repeaters or splitters.

In Coaxial Network there is Amplifiers, Passive Splitters and Tappers. These passive splitters are used to split the signal in two ways for distribution of two different subscribers. While Tap can be used to connect one subscriber and by pass the large signal strength. NODE and Amplifiers require the external DC power.

In coaxial there are various kind of noise like amplifier’s noise and passive splitters noise and tap off noise. OFC network maintenance cost is lesser than Coaxial Network Maintenance cost.