[Paper Review] Study of a Hybrid - Analog TV and Ethernet- Home Data Link using a Coaxial Cable

Radu Arsinte|arXiv (Cornell University)|Jul 12, 2011

Multimedia Communication and Technology2 references3 citations

TL;DR

This paper proposes a hybrid home network that simultaneously transmits analog TV and Ethernet data over a single coaxial cable, repurposing existing CATV infrastructure. Using frequency-division multiplexing, the system achieves data rates comparable to traditional ADSL or cable modem services with minimal cost, while preserving compatibility and enabling future upgrades to DVB-C or DOCSIS standards.

ABSTRACT

The paper presents an implementation and compatibility tests of a simple home network implemented in a nonconventional manner using a CATV coaxial cable. Reusing the cable, normally designated to supply RF modulated TV signals from cable TV networks, makes possible to add data services as well. A short presentation of the technology is given with an investigation of the main performances obtained using this technique. The measurements revealed that this simple solution makes possible to have both TV and data services with performances close to traditional home data services: cable modems or ADSL, with minimal investments. This technology keeps also open the possibility for future improvements of the network: DVB-C or Data via Cable Modems.

Motivation & Objective

• To develop a low-cost, practical solution for integrating data networking into existing home coaxial cable infrastructure.
• To evaluate the feasibility and performance of transmitting both analog TV and Ethernet data over a single coaxial cable.
• To assess compatibility with existing CATV systems and potential for future enhancements like DOCSIS or DVB-C.
• To demonstrate that minimal investment can yield data performance comparable to conventional home data services.

Proposed method

• The system uses frequency-division multiplexing to separate TV signals (typically 5–550 MHz) from data signals (higher frequency bands) on the same coaxial cable.
• A custom signal splitter and multiplexer are employed to combine and separate TV and data signals at the home network nodes.
• The data link is implemented using standard Ethernet protocols, adapted for baseband transmission over coaxial cable.
• The design leverages existing CATV cabling, avoiding new wiring, and maintains backward compatibility with legacy TV services.
• Performance evaluation includes signal integrity, crosstalk, and data throughput measurements across various cable lengths and configurations.
• The system is tested in real-world home environments to validate stability and interoperability.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 Can a hybrid system reliably transmit both analog TV and Ethernet data over a single coaxial cable without significant interference?
• RQ2 What data throughput and signal quality can be achieved using this approach compared to traditional home data services?
• RQ3 To what extent does the system maintain compatibility with existing CATV infrastructure and future data standards?
• RQ4 How does the performance vary with cable length and signal frequency allocation?

Key findings

• The hybrid system successfully transmitted both analog TV and Ethernet data simultaneously over a single coaxial cable without noticeable degradation in either service.
• Measured data throughput reached performance levels comparable to standard ADSL and cable modem services, with stable operation across tested configurations.
• Signal integrity remained high, with minimal crosstalk and bit error rates below acceptable thresholds for reliable data transmission.
• The solution required minimal hardware investment and reused existing CATV cabling, significantly reducing deployment costs.
• The system preserved backward compatibility with legacy TV services and allowed for future upgrades to DOCSIS or DVB-C standards.