Final answer:
Cable companies commonly use a cable broadband network, which includes fiber-optic and coaxial cabling, to offer high-speed internet and digital TV services. Traditional broadcast depended on affiliates, but now optical fiber advantages like low loss and high bandwidth enable more efficient communication.
Step-by-step explanation:
The network used by many cable companies to service their cable modems that contains both fiber-optic and coaxial cabling is known as a cable broadband network. This hybrid approach allows cable companies to deliver high-speed internet access and digital television services to consumers' homes. Contrastingly, a local station that broadcasts national network programming is an affiliate, which was necessary before the widespread use of cable networks that directly provide content without local affiliates.
Cable technology has lessened networks' dependence on aerial signals. Many communication systems now use optical fibers because of their advantages over copper-based systems. Optical fibers have characteristics like low loss, high bandwidth, and reduced crosstalk, making them ideal for long-distance communications and providing the backbone for cable broadband networks.