An apparatus and method for synchronizing communication between systems having different clock rates, is described. The apparatus includes a communication unit, a synchronization unit, and an interface unit. The communication unit receives upstream information and generates a first sample stream representative of the upstream information based on a first clock rate. The synchronization unit converts the first sample stream to a second sample stream based on a second clock rate and in accordance with a predetermined burst plan. The interface unit receives the second sample stream at the second clock rate and outputs it based on the predetermined burst plan.