Cable Modems and Cable Modem Termination Systems conforming to the Data Over Cable System Interface Specifications RF Specification provide system engineers with a new set of options that can be used to help ensure reliable data service delivery in cable plants. A brief history of the decision process used in selecting which options to include is presented, but primarily, this paper describes the options available, in both the RF downstream and RF upstream directions, and helps clarify the criteria to be used when deciding how to apply those options when delivering digital data services.