Final answer:
A cable descrambler or cable converter box, located at the headend, is needed to descramble the encrypted signals from cable networks before distribution to homes through coaxial or fiber optic cables.
Step-by-step explanation:
The piece of equipment that is necessary for descrambling the encrypted signals delivered to the broadband cable system is called a cable descrambler or a cable converter box. These devices are housed in the cable system's headend, which is the control center for cable networks. In the headend, each incoming signal is descrambled into a form that can be distributed to homes through coaxial or fiber optic cables. Cable operators encrypt their signals as a way to prevent unauthorized viewing and ensure that only paying subscribers have access to their content.