In the illustrated architecture, the higher layers (e.g., such as layers 430 and 440) of applications respectively use G3-PLC protocols but with different routing protocols (e.g., the LOAD or RPL protocols). However, the disclosed methods are operable to handle devices that operate over different networks (which optionally operate with different network protocols) in accordance with the different network protocol layers that are above the MAC level.

Various devices (e.g., network entities) coupled to the power line 402 access the split MAC layer of split network stack 406 to share a channel-access mechanism (e.g., carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance, or “CSMA/CA”) and the PHY layer to access at least two different networks that use the power line 402 as the PHY layer. In an embodiment, the split MAC layers (424, 426, 428) of the split network stack 406 allow the protocol stack to be implemented in the same substrate (e.g., monolithic integrated circuit), which reduces system cost and/or decreases power dissipation.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a selective media access controller in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure. The selective media access controller 500 is optionally implemented in a first substrate 502 (e.g., where the application and other higher layer functions are implemented in a second, different substrate while the MAC and PHY layer functions are implemented in the first substrate). The selective media access controller 500 is optionally arranged as discrete logic, memory, a microprocessor, and/or combinations thereof.