IEC 60728-101-1:2023

Overview

IEC 60728-101-1:2023 is an international standard from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that specifies requirements and implementation guidelines for RF cabling in two-way home networks distributing all-digital channels. This standard applies to home networks that distribute television and sound signals, as well as interactive services, sourced from CATV (Community Antenna Television), MATV (Master Antenna Television), and SMATV (Satellite Master Antenna Television) networks. It also covers home networks that incorporate wireless links, such as those replacing traditional receiver cords inside rooms.

The scope of IEC 60728-101-1:2023 includes both wired and wireless RF (Radio Frequency) cabling within the frequency range of approximately 5 MHz to 3,300 MHz, with an extension up to 6,000 MHz for wireless links operating between 5 GHz and 6 GHz. The standard focuses primarily on the physical layer connections in home distribution systems, addressing signal integrity, performance limits, and methods for assessing network performance.

Key Topics

• Coverage of Various Transmission Media: The standard addresses coaxial cables, balanced pair cables, plastic or glass optical fibers, and intra-room wireless links for distributing RF television and sound signals.
• Home Network Interface (HNI) to System Outlet: Defines the network boundary from the HNI (where the home network receives the signal from the provider) up to the system outlet or device terminal input.
• Performance Requirements: Sets performance limits for signal levels, frequency response, noise, interference, and isolation between outlets to ensure quality of service for digital television and sound signals.
• Wireless Distribution: Includes guidelines for wireless two-way communication systems within a room or adjacent rooms, utilizing frequency bands between 5 GHz and 6 GHz.
• Methods of Measurement: Recommends methods to measure operational characteristics and verify conformance to specified performance criteria.
• Network Degradation Limits: Specifies allowable degradations for segmented home networks using different media, ensuring cumulative impairments do not compromise signal quality.

Applications

• Residential Signal Distribution: Ensures reliable, high-quality distribution of television and sound signals, as well as interactive services, within homes and apartment units.
• Hybrid Networks: Supports traditional wired cabling and modern wireless links, offering flexibility for installations where cabling is impractical or wireless connectivity is desirable.
• Mixed Media Systems: Facilitates networks that transition between coaxial, fiber optic, balanced cables, and wireless media, adapting to diverse building architectures and user needs.
• Performance Assessment: Provides a framework for integrators and installers to test and validate home network installations, from the HNI to system outlets or device inputs.
• Digital-Only Environments: Focuses on the unique requirements of all-digital channel loads, optimizing for the growing prevalence of digital broadcasting and IP-based signals.

Related Standards

• IEC 60728-101:2016: Establishes system performance requirements for forward paths loaded with digital channels and is referenced for criteria at system outlets and home network interfaces.
• IEC 60728-1:2014: Covers the performance of forward paths in cable networks for mixed analog and digital signals.
• IEC 60728-3:2017: Relates to active wideband equipment for coaxial cable networks.
• IEC 60728-10: Details requirements for return path performance in cable networks, relevant for two-way communication.
• ISO/IEC/IEEE 8802-11: Defines the MAC and physical layer specifications for wireless LANs, pertinent to the wireless link aspects of this standard.

By adhering to IEC 60728-101-1:2023, integrators and service providers can ensure robust, future-proof home RF networks that reliably deliver digital television and interactive services, whether through traditional cabling or advanced wireless solutions. This standard supports compatibility, quality assurance, and optimal performance in contemporary and evolving home networking environments.