The present disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for communicating data. In one exemplary embodiment, a
system has a high-speed channel, such as an
optical fiber, between a network facility, such as a central office (CO), and a first
intermediate point between the network facility and a plurality of customer premises (CP). Digital communication links, such as DSL links, are used to carry data between the first
intermediate point, such as a feeder distribution interface (FDI), and a second
intermediate point, such as the Distribution Point (DP). Non-shared links may then carry the data from the second intermediate point to the CPs. The links between the two intermediate points are bonded to create a high-speed, shared
data channel that permits peak data rates much greater than what would be achievable without bonding. In some embodiments,
multicast data flows may be prioritized and transmitted across a set of connections to each of the intermediate points. In addition, it is possible to power components at the intermediate points from one or more of the CPs.