A physical layer device for interfacing with multiple computing devices includes a digital core and first and second analog front ends. The digital core is operative to perform one or more functions of the physical layer device. Each of the first and second analog front ends is operative to perform signal conversion between a digital domain and an analog domain. The physical layer device further includes a digital switching circuit coupled to the digital core and to the first and second analog front ends. The digital switching circuit is operative to electrically connect the digital core to the first analog front end or the second analog front end as a function of a control signal applied to the digital switching circuit.