A first physical layer device includes a first transmitter and a first receiver. The first transmitter transmits first data to a second physical layer device over a medium at a first line rate during a first transmit period. The first receiver is configured to not receive data during the first transmit period and an echo reflection period occurring after the first transmit period. The echo reflection period is based on a length of the medium between the first physical layer device and the second physical layer device. The first receiver is configured to, after the echo reflection period, receive second data from the second physical layer device over the medium at a second line rate that is less than the first line rate.