Disclosed are a method and bi-directional communication device, such as
a cable modem, for iteratively performing the following steps for each of a plurality
of communications channels until a downstream data signal is detected. Selecting
a communications channel and checking for a downstream signal having a first bandwidth
complying with a first system interface standard, and if the downstream signal
having said first bandwidth is not detected, then checking the communications channel
for a downstream signal having a second bandwidth complying with a second system
interface standard.