Patent ID: 7454141

Claim:
A return path of an optical network system comprising: a data service hub for generating downstream optical signals and for transmitting downstream RF-modulated video service control signals, and for receiving upstream RF-modulated video service control signals that are propagated through the optical network system according to one of a contention network protocol and a query-response protocol, the contention network protocol and query-response protocol supporting the control signals independently of time, the data service hub comprising a data scaling restoration unit for restoring upstream RF-modulated video service control signals into an original format; and at least one subscriber optical interface coupled to the data service hub for receiving the downstream optical signals, and for receiving RF-modulated signals comprising upstream video service control information that is propagated according to one of the contention network protocol and the query-response protocol, the subscriber optical interface comprising an A/D converter for converting the RF-modulated signals to digital signals, the subscriber optical interface comprising a data scaling unit for reducing data contained within the digital signals, the subscriber optical interface modulating an optical carrier with the digital signals for generating upstream optical signals according to a timing dependent protocol and which are sent to the data service hub.