Question 1

I have a similar question as one already on your website. I changed the question to fit our application. Here it is.. We are having our cable provider quote our cable channels to be in the clear. Our provider is Charter and i believe they said they would be converted to ClearQam. This service will be provided by them to one building and we need to send the Clear QAM signal over our Fiber to another location and then reconvert convert the Clear QAM from Fiber to the RF distribution block. Will will be doing the same for 3 other locations all on the same fiber network. Each location has a low TV count. 10 TVs, 7 TVs, 10 TVs, 12 TVs, 17 TVs, is the count per location. What equipment would i need at each location to provide up to 120 channels provided by our cable provider in the clear? 1) They would all be a point to point but not all locations have single-mode but I can dedicate separate fibers just for video and have a separate network with bandwidth control 2 locations have multimode, the rest are single-mode. Luckily are runs are rather short. i think the longest distance is 1300 ft. We can replace the multimode fiber with a single-mode for the two other properties or have our cable provider run their fiber to those two locations separately. 2) Can one mini receiver per location split to all the TVs at that location and provide up to 120 channels?

Accepted Answer

1) Are these all point to point with single mode fiber in place? https://thorbroadcast.com/products/cable-tv-catv-rf-45-900mhz This is our page of dedicated CATV frequency band Transmitters and Receivers, The rackmount OTx and Mini or Rackmount Receiver sets are the most popular because of their longstanding history of durability 2 points I need to make off the bat, RF can only be put on Singlemode Fiber, Putting it on multimode is impossible; the signal deteriorates at a massive level because of the wide core creating reflections, no one in the world makes gear like that because theoretically, it is impossible Second we can use distance to make approximate guesses at what power optical OTx you'll need, if they're short with minimal patch panels we can guess. If they are longer runs I would hope you can get an OTDR reading of the optical loss in the Fiber. RF on fiber needs to be dedicated, and optical budget is what we work around to decide what power laser you need. 2) So at this juncture because of your short runs, I would go with a single high power OTx; use an optical coupler and mini receivers. This basic diagram shows you a simple layout; single Transmitter; optical coupler which eats a lot of power, and you can run your CATV Clear QAM into the transmitter and get cable everywhere else Yes this equipment carries the entire echelon of CATV DVB-C RF modulation; meaning it carries 45-870Mhz or approximately channels 2-135. https://thorbroadcast.com/product/1-x-2-to-1-x-128-fiber-optic-couplers.html/224 This page shows you how optical couplers eat power, the chart at the bottom is what we use with our units; other companies might vary The coupler essentially dictates how powerful of an OTx you need. What I suggest you do is make sure of exactly how many end locations you have; then we work backward, Couplers come in 1x2 1x4 1x8 etc so if you have 4 runs then need to add a 5th it really isn't simple. So planning ahead is crucial to future proof you don't need to replace the coupler and OTx

Question 2

We’ve got a Dish Smartbox that we distribute mostly over coax (QAM16) throughout our hospital.  We’ve started to extend this to other remote buildings on the same campus and our current system is very limited.  I think what I need is these three items…but I’d love to know if I’m off in left field a bit.  At the moment I only need to get this into two buildings, but we’re building more down the road so I figured the 16x splitter made the most sense.  I’m pretty sure I’ve got the right receiver, but I wasn’t sure about the 1310 vs 1550 transmitter as well as the transmit power…some of the SMF runs are as short as 1200ft but others could be up to 2 miles.  Any input is appreciated.   F-RF-1550-TX-16mW transmitter F-RF-RX-RM receiver F-PLC-1x16-LC/APC or SC/APC optical splitter

Accepted Answer

So you're on the right track.  Right now you're only required to send the signal to two buildings, but you will need to expand to 16 buildings?   If you think at most the run might be about 2 miles then hopefully the fiber installed has very mild loss, you should be fine with a 1310nm 32mW OTx.  1550nm is only recommended with the use of an EDFA that is used to distribute the signal to dozens of end locations.  In your case having a maximum of 16 endpoints with minimal distance is not a good reason to use 1550nm.   I would suggest this as a BOM: F-RF-1310-TX-32mW transmitter F-RF-RX-RM receiver https://thorbroadcast.com/product/catv-rf-fiber-receiver-high-rf-power-rack-8230.html F-PLC-1x16-SC/APC optical splitter https://thorbroadcast.com/product/1-x-2-to-1-x-128-fiber-optic-couplers.html/227   Since the transmitters and receivers, all use SC/APC; I would make sure the PLC Coupler follows suit to minimize any reflections.

Question 3

What are the typical losses in the fiber? How to calculate the optical budget when the transmitter outputs +15dBmV and the optical receiver has a 0dBmV receiver sensitivity?

Accepted Answer

There are several types of losses that can occur in fiber optic cables, including: Insertion loss: This is the loss of signal power that occurs when light is transmitted through the fiber. It is typically caused by imperfections in the fiber itself, such as bends, scratches, or impurities. Splice loss: This occurs when two fibers are joined together, typically through a splicing process. Losses can occur due to imperfections in the splicing technique, as well as the difference in the refractive index between the fibers being spliced. Connector loss: This occurs when light is transferred between two fibers through a connector. Losses can occur due to imperfections in the connector itself, such as dirt or damage. Absorption loss: This is caused by impurities in the fiber that absorb light, reducing the signal strength. The main cause of absorption loss is the absorption of water molecules in the core of the fiber. Scattering loss: This is caused by microscopic variations in the refractive index of the fiber, which cause light to scatter and be absorbed. Macrobending Loss: This is caused by the fiber being bent in a radius of curvature that is too large. This causes the light to be reflected back into the cladding and is lost. The use of passive optical splitters results in each splitter having its own insertion loss. For example, the F-FOS-1x2 1x2 splitter has a 4.5dB insertion loss These losses can be mitigated by using high-quality fiber optic cables, connectors, and splicing techniques, as well as by regularly inspecting and maintaining the fiber optic network.   Insertion loss in fiber refers to the loss of signal power that occurs when light is transmitted through a fiber optic cable. In single mode fiber, insertion loss is typically measured at 1310nm and 1550nm wavelengths, which are the most commonly used wavelengths for long-distance telecommunications. The insertion loss at 1310nm is typically higher - 0.35db/km  than at 1550nm -0.25db/Km , due to the fact that the attenuation coefficient at 1310nm is smaller than at 1550nm. However, the use of 1550nm allows for a larger transmission window and can support higher bandwidths, making it more suitable for high-speed data transmission. Insertion loss can also occur at the connections and splices within a fiber optic cable. These losses are caused by imperfections in the connectors and splicing techniques, as well as by the difference in the refractive index between the fibers being spliced. To minimize these losses, high-quality connectors and splicing techniques must be used. This loss should not exceed 0.1dB per connecion . Additionally, insertion loss can occur at connections and splices due to imperfections in connectors and splicing techniques. To minimize these losses, high-quality connectors and splicing techniques must be used, This loss should not exceed 0.1dB per connecion -- To calculate the optical budget, you need to take into account all of the losses that occur in the fiber optic link, including attenuation, connector loss, and splice loss. The optical budget is calculated by subtracting the total losses from the transmitter output power. In this case, the transmitter outputs +15dBmV and the receiver has 0dBmV receiver sensitivity. To calculate the optical budget, you would subtract the receiver sensitivity from the transmitter output power: Optical budget = Transmitter output power - Receiver sensitivity Optical budget = +15dBmV - 0dBmV Optical budget = 15db It's important to note that the receiver sensitivity is usually given in negative dBmV. So, in this case, the receiver sensitivity of 0dBmV is equivalent to -0dBmV. It's also important to note that the optical budget should be greater than the receiver sensitivity to ensure that there is enough power to reach the receiver and also to take into account any other losses that may occur in the link. Additionally, depending on the application, the optical budget should be designed with a margin of safety, to account for changes in the link such as temperature, aging, or unexpected loss.

Question 4

1) Have a project that the local cable company brought in coax and we need to transition to fiber into our treatment plant. looking for technical advise on making sure your product is the correct solution. 2)  We will need option 2 can we buy direct from you? Do you offer second option for multi-mode?

Accepted Answer

1) Okay we certainly have the gear available that you need, but to narrow it down I just have a couple basic questions.    What is the distance of your single mode fiber? Do you already have SC/APC terminations on the singlemode?    Do you need bidirectional or is this application just going unidirectionally? If this is uni- directional transmission ( Cable TV video only) you can use those TX/RX units , 1 single mode fiber is required SC/APC fiber connects F-RF-TX-MN-2mW https://thorbroadcast.com/product/thor-optical-mini-catv-rf-transmitter-45-1000mhz.html F-RF-RX-MN-2 https://thorbroadcast.com/product/thor-fiber-optical-mini-ftth-rf-catv-cable-tv-receiver-8230.html     If this is Bi-directional ( Cable TV + Internet) You can use this unit, 2 single mode fibers are required, SC/APC fiber connects F-RFoF-TX/RX https://thorbroadcast.com/product/coax-cable-bi-directional-catv-rf-transmitter-and-receiver-over-fiber-8230.html       2) Unfortunately not because it is impossible to put RF on multimode; no company offers such a product because it simply won't work.  It's absolutely mandatory to use singlemode fiber

Question 5

Can you please explain how a CMTS system works? I’m trying to understand how it is possible to connect 500 or even 1,000 cable modems on the same network. I understand that modems receive RF, but they also transmit upstream — so how are they synchronized so they don’t interfere with each other? If the return path is using standard QAM in the 5–45 MHz range, and hundreds of modems are transmitting data back, how is that data kept organized and readable? Is there some form of multiplexing or time-sharing involved? Also, since each modem has a 10/100/1000 Ethernet interface, how is that data packaged and converted into RF for upstream transmission? How does one modem’s transmission avoid interfering with others?

Accepted Answer

Great question — this is the core of how DOCSIS / CMTS systems actually work, and once you see it, it all clicks. I’ll break it down step-by-step in a practical way (not textbook). ???? Big Picture You’re thinking: “If 500–1000 modems are all transmitting RF back on the same cable… why don’t they collide?” ???? Short answer: They DO NOT transmit at the same time. The CMTS acts like a traffic controller and strictly schedules who is allowed to talk and when. ???? Downstream (Easy Part) From CMTS → Modems: Continuous broadcast (like TV) Uses QAM modulation (e.g., 64-QAM / 256-QAM) All modems receive everything Each modem only reads its own data ???? This is simple — like IPTV or RF broadcast. ???? Upstream (This is the Key Part) From Modems → CMTS: ???? This is NOT continuous QAM like downstream ???? It is time-controlled burst transmission ???? Think of It Like This Imagine 1000 people sharing one microphone Instead of everyone talking at once: ???? The CMTS says: “Modem #1 → talk for 2 microseconds” “Modem #2 → now you talk” “Modem #3 → your turn next” This is called: ???? TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) ???? How Modems Stay Synchronized This is where DOCSIS is very smart: 1. Ranging (Distance Measurement) Each modem: Measures how far it is from CMTS (signal delay) CMTS tells it: ???? “Transmit slightly earlier/later” ? So all signals arrive aligned at the CMTS 2. Power Control CMTS adjusts modem power: Far modem → transmit stronger Close modem → transmit weaker ? So all signals arrive at similar levels 3. Timing Slots The upstream channel is divided into: ???? mini time slots (microseconds) Each modem is assigned: exact time exact duration ? No overlap → no collisions ???? What Modulation is Used Upstream? Not always the same as downstream. Typical: QPSK 16-QAM 64-QAM (clean systems) ???? Lower modulation = more robust for noise ???? How 1000 Modems Share One Channel Example: Let’s say: 1 upstream channel = ~30 Mbps usable 1000 modems connected ???? Not all are transmitting at once Real behavior: Most modems are idle Only active ones get time slots Bandwidth is dynamically assigned This is called: ???? Statistical multiplexing ???? Data Flow (Ethernet → RF) Inside each modem: Step 1 – Ethernet Input User traffic enters: Netflix, browsing, etc. Step 2 – Packet Processing Modem: buffers data waits for CMTS permission Step 3 – CMTS Grants Transmission CMTS sends: ???? “You can transmit now (time slot X)” Step 4 – Burst Transmission Modem: converts data → RF burst sends during assigned time slot Step 5 – CMTS Receives & Reassembles CMTS: collects bursts from all modems reconstructs data stream ???? Why Signals Don’t Interfere Because of 3 controls: ? 1. Time separation Only one modem transmits per time slot ? 2. Power leveling All signals arrive at similar strength ? 3. Timing alignment All bursts arrive perfectly aligned ???? Important Concept ???? The upstream is NOT continuous RF ???? It is short bursts from many devices This is why your RF over fiber system works: ? It just transports RF ? It doesn’t care what’s inside ? CMTS logic still controls everything ???? Real-World Example Let’s say: 100 modems active each needs small bursts CMTS schedules: Modem A → 10 µs Modem B → 5 µs Modem C → 20 µs This happens thousands of times per second. ???? Why This Scales to 1000+ Modems Because: Users are not always transmitting Traffic is bursty CMTS dynamically allocates bandwidth ???? Simple Analogy (Best One) ???? It’s like a Wi-Fi network — but fully controlled and scheduled Instead of random collisions (Wi-Fi): ???? CMTS enforces strict order ???? Key Takeaways Upstream is time-shared, not continuous CMTS controls EVERYTHING Modems never “talk over each other” RF channel is shared efficiently Fiber transport doesn’t change behavior 1. System Diagram (CMTS → Fiber → Nodes → Modems → Return) Here’s a clean logical diagram of your setup:                            HEADEND                     ?????????????????                     ?     CMTS      ?                     ? (Down + Up RF)?                     ?????????????????                            ? RF (Coax)                            ?                  ????????????????????????                  ? 1310nm TX (Forward)  ?                  ????????????????????????                            ? Fiber (SM, SC/APC)                            ?                   ?????????????????????                   ? Optical Splitter  ?                   ?   (1x8 / 1x32)    ?                   ?????????????????????                       ?    ?    ?         ???????????????    ?    ???????????????                           ?                 FIELD / DOCK AREAS (xN)         ?????????????????????????????????         ?   Mini Node (Optical → RF)    ?         ?   F-MININODE-2RP-HP           ?         ?????????????????????????????????                     ? RF (Coax)                     ?           ??????????????????????????           ? Splitters / Cabling    ?           ??????????????????????????                       ?          ????????????????????????????          ?        Cable Modems      ?          ?   (Boats / Users)        ?          ???????????????????????????? ================= RETURN PATH ================= Cable Modems (Upstream RF 5–45 MHz)                     ?                     ? RF         ?????????????????????????????????         ? Mini Node (RF → Optical)      ?         ?????????????????????????????????                     ? Fiber (DEDICATED)                     ?            HEADEND RETURN RECEIVERS         ????????????????????????????????         ? 4ch Return RX (F-RF-RP4RX)   ?         ????????????????????????????????                     ? RF Combined                     ?                  ?????????                  ? CMTS  ?                  ?????????   ???? 2. What’s REALLY Happening (Over Fiber) Now let’s connect this with the DOCSIS behavior you asked about. ???? KEY IDEA ???? Your fiber system is NOT doing any routing, switching, or packet handling ???? It is ONLY doing: RF → Optical conversion Optical → RF conversion So: ? CMTS still controls everything ? Modems behave exactly the same as coax network ???? Forward Path (CMTS → Modems) Flow: CMTS generates RF channels (downstream QAM) RF goes into F-RF-1310-TX Converted to optical (1310 nm) Split (1x8 / 1x32) Sent to all nodes Each node converts back to RF RF distributed to modems ???? This is identical to coax — just longer distance ???? Return Path (THIS IS THE IMPORTANT PART) Flow: Modems transmit upstream (burst mode) RF enters mini node Mini node converts RF → optical Each node sends back on its OWN fiber Headend receivers convert optical → RF RF combined → fed into CMTS ???? WHY THIS WORKS PERFECTLY Because your system preserves: ? Timing DOCSIS timing slots stay intact ? Power levels Nodes + CMTS control levels ? Burst structure Nothing changes — still time-based bursts ???? IMPORTANT INSIGHT (This is GOLD for you) ???? The fiber system behaves like: “A very long, very clean coax cable” ???? No Collisions Still Even over fiber: Only one modem transmits per time slot CMTS schedules everything Fiber does NOT change this behavior ???? Why You NEED Separate Return Fibers This is critical: Forward: ? Can split (broadcast) Return: ? Cannot combine optically Why? Because: Upstream is burst-based RF If you combine optical signals passively → signals mix → noise So instead: ???? Each node = dedicated return fiber Then: ???? Combine in RF domain at headend (controlled) ???? Real Example (Your Harbor) Let’s say: 8 nodes 100 modems per node 800 total modems What happens: CMTS schedules all 800 modems Each modem transmits in micro time slots Signals travel: modem → node → fiber → receiver → CMTS ???? No collisions ???? No overlap ???? Fully controlled ???? Why This Is BETTER Than Coax In coax system: Signal degrades over distance Many amplifiers Return path becomes messy In your fiber system: ? No distance issue ? No RF noise buildup ? No amplifier cascade ? Much cleaner return path ???? VERY IMPORTANT (For your design thinking) The ONLY thing you must ensure: 1. Optical levels Node input ≈ 0 dBm 2. RF output from node ~45 dBmV → enough for local distribution 3. Return levels Balanced so CMTS sees ~0 dBmV ???? Simple Way to Explain to Customer You can say: “We are extending your CMTS over fiber — the system behaves exactly like coax, just without distance and noise limitations.” ???? Bonus Insight (Why This Is Perfect for You) Your application (harbor + boats): ? Fiber backbone already exists ? Coax needed at dock ? WiFi unreliable ???? This solution = BEST FIT

Availability:	In stock	Condition:	new
Shipping:	starting at $0.00	Warranty:	2Yrs

Model	F-RF-1310-TX-32mW
Wavelength	1310nm
Optical Power	32mW
Frequency Range	45–1000 MHz
Supported Signals	NTSC, PAL, QAM J.83B, ATSC, ATSC 3.0, 8VSB
Laser	High-Linearity DFB

*All Specifiactions Subject to Change Without Notice
Input	1x Type-F connector - 75 Ohm
Optical Wavelength	1310nm
Line Width:	< 1 MHz FWHM
Extinction Ratio	>20 dB XP
Equivalent Noise Intensity	< -160 dB/Hz
Output Power	32 mW
Return Loss	>55 dB
Optical Connector	SC/APC - Angle Polished IMPORTANT NOTE* (it is very important to interface our unit with SC/APC - Angle Polished Connector to avoid any light reflections. If your fiber is terminated with the SC, ST, FC /PC flat connector, you need to use an optical jumper from PC type to SC/APC for proper conversion.**
RF Power Level	11-29 dBmV AGC Managed
Flatness	<± 0.75 45 - 862 MHz
SBC Restrain	>17 dBm
CNR	>50 dB @ 10km fiber length
CTB	< -63 dB
CSO	< -57 dB
Dimensions	19 x 10 x 1.75 inch
Weight	2.5 kg
Operating Temperature	0 - 45 ?

32 mW CATV RF Over Fiber Tx 45-870 MHz

Description

RF over Fiber Tx - 32mW Output 45-1000 MHz

High Power RF over Fiber Transmitter – 32mW | 45–1000 MHz

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Designed for Large Optical Splits

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Recommended Accessory: F-PLC Passive Fiber Optic Splitter

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Question and Answers

Question: What are the typical losses in the fiber? How to calculate the optical budget when the transmitter outputs +15dBmV and the optical receiver has a 0dBmV receiver sensitivity?

???? Big Picture

???? Downstream (Easy Part)

???? Upstream (This is the Key Part)

???? Think of It Like This

???? How Modems Stay Synchronized

1. Ranging (Distance Measurement)

2. Power Control

3. Timing Slots

???? What Modulation is Used Upstream?

???? How 1000 Modems Share One Channel

???? Data Flow (Ethernet → RF)

Step 1 – Ethernet Input

Step 2 – Packet Processing

Step 3 – CMTS Grants Transmission

Step 4 – Burst Transmission

Step 5 – CMTS Receives & Reassembles

???? Why Signals Don’t Interfere

? 1. Time separation

? 2. Power leveling

? 3. Timing alignment

???? Important Concept

???? Real-World Example

???? Why This Scales to 1000+ Modems

???? Simple Analogy (Best One)

???? Key Takeaways

1. System Diagram (CMTS → Fiber → Nodes → Modems → Return)

???? 2. What’s REALLY Happening (Over Fiber)

???? KEY IDEA

???? Forward Path (CMTS → Modems)

Flow:

???? Return Path (THIS IS THE IMPORTANT PART)

Flow:

???? WHY THIS WORKS PERFECTLY

? Timing

? Power levels

? Burst structure

???? IMPORTANT INSIGHT (This is GOLD for you)

???? No Collisions Still

???? Why You NEED Separate Return Fibers

Forward:

Return:

???? Real Example (Your Harbor)

What happens:

???? Why This Is BETTER Than Coax

In coax system:

In your fiber system:

???? VERY IMPORTANT (For your design thinking)

1. Optical levels

2. RF output from node

3. Return levels

???? Simple Way to Explain to Customer

???? Bonus Insight (Why This Is Perfect for You)

Documents

Question:

What are the typical losses in the fiber?

How to calculate the optical budget when the transmitter outputs +15dBmV and the optical receiver has a 0dBmV receiver sensitivity?