"Long Cable Runs"

I am considering having cable installed to a building about 1,200 feet from the road (where cable is available). I was told that I would need to run #525 cable (7/8" diameter) with an amplifier required about halfway (500'). Wouldn't it be possible (and less expensive) to run the cable to a cable modem combo hub at the road and use thicknet (RG6) to run the 1,200 feet to the second building where the internet access is desired? Is there a less expensive way to do this?

Do you have a structure at the road to house equipment? Cable modems are designed for indoor use only and require some environment controls for stability. Since the cable company is looking to build a line extension into your building, I'd guess not.

If you do, then it may be possible to place the modem there and take the output into some of the interesting fiber optic transceivers out there and run fiber optics between the two points. Checkout http://www.rccfiber.com/ part number DL206. Best bet is to call them and explain your situation. You'll need to find a 1200' fiber jumper too.

I believe the cable size you are refering to is .625 which is 5/8", .875 is the 7/8" coaxial cable. Going to an .875 cable may eliminate the need for the amplifier but is a more expensive cable.

And yes, I do work for a cable company