A cable distribution system that includes a head end connected to a plurality of customer devices through a transmission network that includes a remote fiber node that converts digital data to analog data suitable for the plurality of customer devices. The remote fiber node includes a processor. The remote fiber node receives a software image containing (i) a hardware image, (ii) a primary boot loader, (iii) a kernel, (iv) a software dataplane for a dataplane, and (v) software applications for a control plane. Based upon the file name of the software image selectively using at least some of (i) a hardware image, (ii) a primary boot loader, (iii) a kernel, (iv) a software dataplane for a dataplane, and (v) software applications for a control plane, in resetting the remote physical device.