The central distribution equipment in a residential installation is known as the _____.

In a residential installation, the central distribution equipment is referred to as the "head end." This term is commonly used in the context of telecommunications and data distribution to identify the primary point where various signals are aggregated and directed to various endpoints within a building or residence.

The head end typically houses the necessary equipment to manage incoming services, such as cable, internet, and telephony, and is responsible for distributing these services throughout the home. It may include devices like routers, switches, and demarcation points, ensuring effective communication and connectivity across all outlets in the home.

Understanding this terminology is essential for anyone involved in limited-energy cabling, as it allows for clear identification of infrastructure components and their functions within residential networks. Other options like "mainframe," "distribution center," and "access point" do not specifically refer to the central distribution setup in a residential context, making "head end" the most appropriate choice.