What network medium did standards bodies intend IPTV to resemble?

The intention behind the standards bodies for IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) was to establish a network medium that resembles Hybrid Fiber/Coax (HFC) networks. HFC networks combine both fiber-optic and coaxial cable technologies, which allows for high bandwidth transmission and supports the delivery of a variety of services, including video, voice, and data. This combination is particularly advantageous for IPTV, as it can efficiently handle the large amounts of data required for streaming high-definition video content.

IPTV was designed to leverage existing infrastructure, especially in residential areas where HFC networks are prevalent. By mimicking this type of network, IPTV can take advantage of the split architecture, with fiber optics handling the backbone and coaxial cables providing the last mile connectivity to homes. This design allows for improved capacity and quality of service for video transmission compared to older coaxial-only systems.

The other options, while relevant to broader telecommunications, do not encapsulate the specific focus of IPTV's standardization as effectively as HFC networks do. Wireless networks are typically less reliable for video streaming due to potential interference and bandwidth issues. Satellite networks, while capable of delivering video, involve higher latency and constraints that do not align with the on-demand nature of IPTV. Pure fiber-optic networks