A wireless network includes wireless access systems for communicating with mobile stations. At least one of the wireless access systems is capable of communicating with multiple types of mobile stations. One type of mobile station communicates according to the Enhanced General Packet Radio Service (EGPRS) protocol, while another type of mobile station communicates according to the GSM/EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN) protocol. The wireless access system includes control logic to select one of plural types of protocol stacks to use for communications over an air link with the different types of mobile stations. In response to an indicator of a first type, the wireless access system selects a first protocol stack, and in response to an indicator of a second type, the wireless access system selects a second protocol stack.