Patent ID: 8515281

Claim:
A method of providing node segmentation where a service group of modems served by a fiber node is segmented into at least two sub-service groups, the method comprising: receiving a multiplexed data stream comprising at least two sub-service group signals wherein the first of the at least two sub-service group signals represents the combined electrical signals received from one or more cable modems in a first sub-service group of at least two sub-service groups and the second of the at least two sub-service group signals represents the combined electrical signals received from one or more cable modems in a second sub-service group of the at least two sub-service groups; demultiplexing the multiplexed data stream into at least two signals representing the at least two sub-service group signals; and based on a control signal, either digitally summing the at least two signals representing the at least two sub-service group signals and outputting the resulting signal on one RF output port or outputting at least two signals representing the at least two sub-service group signals to at least two separate RF output ports, wherein when the control signal is set to a first value, the at least two signals representing the at least two sub-service group signals are digitally summed and output on one RF output port.