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In an HFC (Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial) architecture, the primary difference between coaxial express cable and coaxial distribution cable lies in their functionality and installation context, specifically regarding the use of taps. Coaxial distribution cables are designed to deliver signals from the distribution point to individual customer premises, and taps are installed on these distribution cables to split the signal and distribute it to multiple homes or apartments. This allows the cable operator to efficiently provide service to a large number of end-users.

In contrast, coaxial express cables are utilized as a trunk line that carries signals over longer distances within the network but do not typically use taps since they are meant for bulk signal transport rather than direct connections to homes. Thus, the key operational aspect of distribution cables is their use of taps for accessing multiple endpoints, which marks the fundamental distinction in their roles within the HFC architecture.