Which term refers to the central facility that originates and processes signals for distribution in a cable system?

Which term refers to the central facility that originates and processes signals for distribution in a cable system?

• A. Headend
• B. Hub
• C. Exchange
• D. Terminal

Answer: (A)

The central facility that originates and processes signals for distribution in a cable system is the headend. At the headend, programming from local channels, satellite feeds, and other sources is received, encoded, compressed, modulated, and formatted for transport over the cable network. It also handles access control and metadata, then feeds the processed signals into the distribution plant (trunk and feeder cables) so they can be delivered to homes and businesses. A hub is simply a distribution point within the network, not the source of the programming. An exchange is a telecom switching location, not the facility that processes cable signals. A terminal refers to the customer’s end equipment, not the origin.

The central facility that originates and processes signals for distribution in a cable system is the headend. At the headend, programming from local channels, satellite feeds, and other sources is received, encoded, compressed, modulated, and formatted for transport over the cable network. It also handles access control and metadata, then feeds the processed signals into the distribution plant (trunk and feeder cables) so they can be delivered to homes and businesses.

A hub is simply a distribution point within the network, not the source of the programming. An exchange is a telecom switching location, not the facility that processes cable signals. A terminal refers to the customer’s end equipment, not the origin.