A method, system, and computer-readable medium for a network interface with adjustable rate are disclosed. For example, one method involves receiving a request to activate a virtual lane of an interface, where the request is received by a first node. The interface is configured to facilitate data communication between the first node and a second node, and the interface includes a plurality of virtual lanes that include at least one active virtual lane, and at least one inactive virtual lane. The method also involves, in response to receiving the request, negotiating with the second node to select an additional virtual lane from the at least one inactive virtual lane. The method involves activating the additional virtual lane. After the activating, the first node and the second node are configured to use the active virtual lane(s) and the additional virtual lane for data communication.