Abstract: A communication system for transferring digital data over a distribution network is described. The communication system includes an interface for receiving successive strings of digital data from a source, each string representing a certain number of bits. The system also includes a symbol mapper for converting the strings into a sequence of symbols representing a constellation of discrete values of the amplitude and phase of a carrier for a predetermined period. The constellation is rotationally asymmetric for valid ones of the data strings. The system further includes a modulator for synthesizing a plurality of orthogonal carriers from said symbols a transmitter for sending the modulated carriers over a distribution network.