A method includes: receiving a downstream optical signal propagating away from a head end and converting it into an electrical signal; dividing the downstream electrical signal into a downstream high portion and a downstream low portion; diplexing the downstream low portion with an upstream low portion; combining the upstream low portion and an upstream high portion; and transmitting the combined upstream portions as an upstream optical signal propagating toward a head end. An apparatus includes: an optical receiver; an electrical divider coupled to the optical receiver; an electrical diplexer coupled to the divider; an electrical combiner coupled to the diplexer; and an optical transmitter coupled to the combiner.