Embodiments include systems and methods for enabling a physical layer (PHY) link signaling channel between a network termination modem and a cable modem in a cable network. The PHY link signaling channel is embedded within the same multi-carrier channel as the data and enables PHY link up between the network termination modem and cable modem without involvement of higher layers (e.g., MAC). The PHY link signaling channel can be implemented in the downstream (from the network termination modem to the cable modem(s)) or in the upstream from a cable modem to the network termination modem. Embodiments are applicable to any known cable network, and particularly to cable networks implementing the DOCSIS and EPoC standards.