Hybrid Communication Networks

A PLC device, comprising:

• a processor;
• and
• a memory coupled to the processor, the memory configured to store program instructions executable by the processor to cause the PLC device to:
• sequentially scan a plurality of frequency subbands for one or more beacons transmitted by a second PLC device following a superframe structure;
• and
• in response to having received the one or more beacons, communicate with the second PLC device following the superframe structure.

A non-transitory electronic storage medium having program instructions stored thereon that, upon execution by a processor within a Power Line Communication (PLC) device, cause the PLC device to:

• sequentially scan a plurality of frequency subbands for one or more beacons transmitted by a second PLC device following a superframe structure;
• and
• perform one or more of:
• (a) in response to having received the one or more beacons, communicate with the second PLC device following the superframe structure;
• (b) in response to not having received the one or more beacons, simultaneously scan the plurality of frequency subbands for one or more other beacons transmitted by a third PLC device;
• (c) in response to having received the one or more other beacons, communicate with the third communication device;
• or
• (d) in response to not having received the one or more other beacons, transmit a first beacon, receive a second beacon from the third communication device in response to the first beacon, and communicate with the third communication device in response to the second beacon.