Power systems for coaxial cable

This paper is presented to serve as a guide to evaluate or compare different methods of powering a coaxial cable network and addresses both AC and DC options. The criteria used for the evaluations assumed a hybrid network consisting of fiber optic cables routed to a fiber node and then transitioning to coaxial cable. The simulated network handles both video and telephony over coaxial cable. Each fiber node and associated coaxial cable feed up to 480 homes. A maximum of one express amplifier and four line extenders are utilized in any one coaxial feeder. The home or residence is served by a NIU (network interface unit) which separates the video, telephone and any other information or services that may be carried over this network. This document evaluates the different types of powering solutions and should only be used as a reference to the size of the coaxial cable, the current consumption or the amplifiers and the many other factors which affect an actual operating system. All of the power systems discussed provide 8 hours of battery reserve (typical) and do not include redundancy. -130 VDC is not considered as a viable option as it appears that it would have to be limited to 100 VA whether it is contained within the right of way or not in order to comply with NEC and NESC codes.<>