A system receives an incoming datastream at an incoming data rate or transmits an outgoing datastream at an outgoing data rate. The system may include a detection circuit to monitor the signal quality of the datastream. Responsive to changes in the monitored signal quality, the system may switch the data rate from a first data rate to a new data rate. If signal conditions are favorable, the system may switch to a higher data rate than the first data rate. If signal quality conditions worsen, the system may switch from the first data rate to a lower data rate to allow for a reduction in error rate.