ELI5: How are last mile networks actually wired?

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I understand that there's some sort of tree, and I understand the basics of networking. What I want to know is does my last mile ISP have tons of cables running from a switch hidden somewhere, or do they chain connections? If a new house is built along an existing route, can they tie in to existing cables, or do they have to run it from a switch somewhere? If I wanted to start my own ISP, I understand I would have to run lines from a backbone out to smaller offices, but what about when it gets to a residential area?

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ColonelError

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Posted: 8 years ago
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