One example includes network physical link (PHY) switch system. The system includes a multiplexer to output a first of a plurality of data streams that are input to a PHY device in response to a first state of a selection signal. The system also includes a data detector that monitors the first data stream and provides a trigger signal in response to a predetermined condition associated with the first data stream. The system further includes a switching controller that provides the selection signal, and in response to a switching command signal indicating a command to switch from the first data stream to the second data stream, monitors the data detector for the trigger signal and changes the selection signal from the first state to a second state in response to receiving the trigger signal to switch to the second data stream of the plurality of data streams.