Inherent problems in implementing cable TV based metropolitan area networks

摘要

A survey is presented of the problems and pitfalls of cable-TV-based metropolitan area networks (MANs). While the CATV system in the US is very widespread and touches approximately 50% of all American homes, the use of this utility for networking has been extremely limited. Some of the strengths and weaknesses of using the cable plant for metropolitan area networking are discussed. The problems inherent in using CATV for metropolitan area networking are identified.