CommScope BOSTM BrightPath Optical Solutions - Manual (Page 9)

BrightPath system - node-based connection for up to 21.7 miles (35 km)
The BrightPath node-based solution starts at the point where the HFC fiber normally transitions to coaxial distribu-
tion cable. An optical node amplifies the optical signal coming from the headend and distributes it to as many
as eight fiber ports. Each port delivers enough signal to serve 32 homes, for a total of 256 subscribers. The node
signal is bidirectional, using different wavelengths of light for upstream and downstream transmission. The node can
be mounted on the span or in a vault and is powered like a coax amplifier.
Up to two four-fiber buried or aerial distribution cables carry optical signal from the node to a tap enclosure.
The weather-hardened enclosure protects the optical tap module and is mounted either on the span or in a ped-
estal. Here, the distribution cable is entered mid-span and its fibers accessed. One fiber is spliced to the optical tap
module that splits the signal among as many as eight drops and then sends the signal on to the next tap enclosure.
Aerial or buried single fiber drop cable connects the optical tap to the Network Interface Device (NID) at
the residence. The NID will hold the Network Interface Unit (NIU) which converts the optical signal to RF for
transmission over the home’s coax network. Low-voltage power for the NIU is provided at the residence and fed
through a coaxial connection.
BrightPath ® Cables and Components 3.3
Node-based system overview