An optical distribution node is provided. The optical distribution node includes
a laser transceiver that is coupleable to at least one fiber optic link. The optical
distribution node communicates upstream and downstream digital data with the head
end over the at least one fiber optic link. The optical distribution node further
includes a data concentrator coupled to the laser transceiver. Further, for each
of at least one coaxial cable link, the optical distribution node includes a frequency
translator and a node modem. The frequency translator receives and translates the
upstream digital data from modems on the at least one coaxial cable link to a different
carrier to provide a signal to the modems on the at least one coaxial cable link
for collision detection. The node modem is coupled between the coaxial cable link
and the data concentrator. The node modem demodulates upstream digital data for
the data concentrator and modulates downstream digital data for transmission over
the coaxial cable link.