Methods and systems that provide for a control path to enable at least one of the two data paths for a network device (e.g., a modem) are provided. An example method includes allowing a device to communicate data, over a network, using a shared control path, within the device, corresponding to a first bus protocol. The method may include using the shared control path, obtaining control information corresponding to a data path, within the device, for allowing the device to communicate data over the network using a network interface. The method may further include automatically determining data transfer capabilities for transmitting or receiving data using the network interface based on the control information, if the data transfer capabilities are determined to be capable of supporting a first data path. The first data path that uses a different protocol from the first bus protocol may be automatically established.