What is the primary purpose of a cable amplifier in a cable system?

The primary purpose of a cable amplifier is to boost weak signals. In a cable system, signals can lose strength as they travel through cables due to attenuation, which can occur over long distances or through various types of interference. A cable amplifier enhances these signals, enabling them to maintain their quality and strength as they reach the end-users. By amplifying the signals, the cable amplifier ensures that the transmitted data, whether it's video, audio, or internet, arrives with sufficient strength for proper reception and performance.

In contrast, other functions mentioned in the options do not define the main role of a cable amplifier. While reducing noise is important in maintaining signal clarity, it is an indirect consequence that might happen as an amplifier enhances a weak signal. Converting analog signals to digital is typically performed by different equipment designed for encoding, while managing data flow pertains to network management rather than the amplification of signals. Thus, the role of the cable amplifier is centered primarily around boosting weak signals to ensure effective communication within the cable system.