Methods and systems for operating a physical layer device ("PHY") in an Ethernet network include methods and systems for detecting active link partners and for selecting a mode of operation based on detected active link partners. The PHY monitors fiber link media and copper link media for active link partners. The PHY selects a mode of operation according to detected active link partners. For example, a copper mode of operation is selected, preferably through logic circuitry, when an active copper link partner is detected and an active fiber link partner is not detected. Similarly, a fiber mode of operation is selected, preferably through logic circuitry, when an active fiber link partner is detected and an active copper link partner is not detected. The PHY interfaces with the active copper link partner when the copper mode of operation is selected. Similarly, the PHY interfaces with the active fiber link partner when the fiber mode of operation is selected. The copper or fiber mode of operation can be prioritized for when active copper and fiber link partners are detected. The prioritized mode can be user selectable or factory set. The invention optionally powers down circuitry associated with an unselected mode of operation.

A physical layer device (PLD) includes a first serializer-deserializer (SERDES) device and a second SERDES device. Each SERDES device includes an analog portion with a serial port that is configured to communicate serial data with various network devices, and a digital portion that is configured to communicate parallel data with other various network devices. The PLD includes a first signal path that is configured to route serial data signals between the analog portions of the SERDES devices, bypassing the digital portions of the SERDES devices. Therefore, the SERDES devices can directly communicate serial data without performing parallel data conversion. A second signal path is configured to route recovered clock and data signals between the analog portions of the SERDES devices, but still bypassing the digital portions of the SERDES devices. The recovered clock and data signals are then regenerated before being transmitted over a network device.

A physical layer device (PLD) includes a first serializer-deserializer (SERDES) device and a second SERDES device. Each SERDES device includes an analog portion with a serial port that is configured to communicate serial data with various network devices, and a digital portion that is configured to communicate parallel data with other various network devices. The PLD includes a first signal path that is configured to route serial data signals between the analog portions of the SERDES devices, bypassing the digital portions of the SERDES devices. Therefore, the SERDES devices can directly communicate serial data without performing parallel data conversion. A second signal path is configured to route recovered clock and data signals between the analog portions of the SERDES devices, but still bypassing the digital portions of the SERDES devices. The recovered clock and data signals are then regenerated before being transmitted over a network device. Signal latency and hardware requirements are reduced by bypassing the digital portions of the SERDES devices and avoiding the parallel conversion associated with the digital portions.

A physical layer device (PLD), comprising: a first serializer-deserializer (SERDES) device having a first parallel port; a second SERDES device having a second parallel port; a third SERDES device having a third parallel port; and a path selector being selectively configurable to provide either (i) a first signal path between the first and second parallel ports, or (ii) a second signal path between the first and third parallel ports.