HFC offers a fast reliable way to transfer data.
HFC, hybrid fiber coax, is a transmission type used for phone lines, cable television and Internet services. HFC uses a two-directional method of transferring data in a fast and reliable manner. These cables offer speed, low interference and multiple capabilities. Cable and phone companies have slowly begun to change over from coaxial cables to HFC.
Components
HFC is made with both coaxial and fiber optic cables causing these lines to be two-directional. This allows information to transfer both to and from a place or company. Internet services require two-directional services.
Process
HFC allows a large amount of data to be transferred at one time. HFC works by having a fiber optic cable running from a cable company's facility to a place near a person's home. The coaxial cable then runs from this location directly to the customer's home. The fiber optic cable provides the high bandwidth while the coaxial cable feeds each home. In many cases, the fiber optic cables were the only components that needed to be replaced when this transition took place because many homes already had a coaxial cable line running to their homes already.
Uses
Many cable providers now use HFC cables because they allow a great deal of information to travel through them. High-speed Internet providers also use HFC cables because they are two-directional and offer very high-speeds of transferring information. HFC lines are capable of carrying voice, video and data information. These cables also provide low interference from other sources.
Effects
HFC cables were created to keep up with modern technology. Cable companies needed to increase the number of channels available, provide cable modem services, video-on-demand services and Internet services. These demands, and others, required cable companies in increase the bandwidth customers receive. Bandwidth determines the speed of information that is transferred. These demands caused the change from pure coaxial cables to HFC. Original cable systems needed only the ability to downstream programs to customers. With technology increasing, and customers' demands rising, other services began to be requested including high-speed Internet services. With Internet services, two-directional lines were a requirement.
