A method and apparatus for combining cost effectiveness of data signal ports sharing a common memory storage device with reliable data signal communication of data signal ports each having a dedicated memory storage device. In one embodiment, data signals are received at a number of data signal ports of a data signal communication platform. A data signal bandwidth capability of a memory storage device of the data communication platform is determined. Once the data signal bandwidth capability of the memory storage device is determined, the memory storage device is segmented to improve utilization of the data signal bandwidth capability. As a result, cost effectiveness of data signal ports sharing a common memory storage device and reliability of data signal communication of data signal ports each having a dedicated memory storage device is combined.