A communication interface (e.g., a memory interface) includes a data processing channel adapted to be coupled to a data source and having multiple data processing stages. A bypass network or pipeline is coupled to the data processing channel and configurable to bypass at least one stage in the data processing channel. A controller is coupled to the bypass network for configuring the bypass network to bypass at least one stage of the data processing channel based on performance criteria. In some embodiments or modes of operation, the bypass network is configured to bypass at least one stage of the data processing channel to reduce idle latency after an idle period. In an alternative embodiment or mode of operation, the bypass channel is configured to include at least one stage of the data processing channel to increase data throughput.