Parallel mac/phy for enhanced transmission rate in a wireless network

A communication network, comprising:

• an access point operable to generate beacons to control wireless local area network communications with compatible communication devices in a hub-and-spoke configuration of a first communication network that operates according to a first communication network protocol;
• a first multi-mode communication device operable to support communications with the access point according to the first communication network protocol and further operable to concurrently support peer-to-peer communications with other multi-mode communication devices;
• a second multi-mode communication device operable to support communications with the access point according to the first communication network protocol and further operable to concurrently support peer-to-peer communications with other multi-mode communication devices;
• and
• wherein the first and second multi-mode communication devices are further operable to communicate in a peer-to-peer configuration with each other while also supporting communications with the access point.