The current invention provides a system for transmitting and receiving information comprising a first layer transceiver device, a plurality of second layer transceiver devices, and an interface connecting the first layer transceiver device and the a plurality of second layer transceiver devices. The first layer transceiver device and the a plurality of second layer transceiver devices transmit and receive data over the interface and a time division multiplexed (TDM) signal that indicates the availability of one of said second layer transceiver devices.