A HFC network includes an optical node, a first fiber optic cable, and a second fiber optic cable. The first fiber optic cable has a first end that is connected to the optical node for delivering signals to the optical node. The second fiber optic cable has a first end that is positioned within the optical node. Optical fibers of the first optic cable are ribbonized and spliced to ribbonized optical fibers of the second fiber optic cable at a spliced connection such that signals can be transmitted between the fiber optic cables. An optical fiber of the first fiber optic cable is spliced to a connectorized fiber pigtail at a spliced connection, and the connectorized fiber pigtail is optically connected to a broadband optical transceiver in the optical node. The spliced connections are stored in a fiber splice tray within the optical node.