diff --git a/arch/arm/src/tiva/tm4c_ethernet.c b/arch/arm/src/tiva/tm4c_ethernet.c
index f689028a9a..6a6bc2d4ed 100644
--- a/arch/arm/src/tiva/tm4c_ethernet.c
+++ b/arch/arm/src/tiva/tm4c_ethernet.c
@@ -629,6 +629,7 @@ struct tiva_ethmac_s
   struct work_s        work;        /* For deferring work to the work queue */
 #ifdef CONFIG_TIVA_PHY_INTERRUPTS
   xcpt_t               handler;     /* Attached PHY interrupt handler */
+  void                *arg;         /* Argument that accompanies the interrupt */
 #endif
 
   /* This holds the information visible to the NuttX network */
@@ -2165,9 +2166,9 @@ static int tiva_interrupt(int irq, FAR void *context, FAR void *arg)
 
       /* Dispatch to the registered handler */
 
-      if (priv->handler)
+      if (priv->handler != NULL)
         {
-          (void)priv->handler(irq, context, arg);
+          (void)priv->handler(irq, context, priv->arg);
         }
     }
 #endif
@@ -4254,23 +4255,22 @@ void up_netinitialize(void)
  *             asserts an interrupt.  Must reside in OS space, but can
  *             signal tasks in user space.  A value of NULL can be passed
  *             in order to detach and disable the PHY interrupt.
+ *   arg     - The argument that will accompany the interrupt
  *   enable  - A function pointer that be unsed to enable or disable the
  *             PHY interrupt.
  *
  * Returned Value:
- *   The previous PHY interrupt handler address is returned.  This allows you
- *   to temporarily replace an interrupt handler, then restore the original
- *   interrupt handler.  NULL is returned if there is was not handler in
- *   place when the call was made.
+ *   Zero (OK) returned on success; a negated errno value is returned on
+ *   failure.
  *
  ****************************************************************************/
 
 #ifdef CONFIG_TIVA_PHY_INTERRUPTS
-xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
+int arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, void *arg,
+                 phy_enable_t *enable)
 {
   struct tiva_ethmac_s *priv;
   irqstate_t flags;
-  xcpt_t oldhandler;
 
   DEBUGASSERT(intf);
   ninfo("%s: handler=%p\n", intf, handler);
@@ -4290,10 +4290,10 @@ xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
 
   flags = enter_critical_section();
 
-  /* Get the old interrupt handler and save the new one */
+  /* Save the new interrupt handler information */
 
-  oldhandler    = priv->handler;
   priv->handler = handler;
+  priv->arg     = arg;
 
   /* Return with the interrupt disabled in any case */
 
@@ -4306,10 +4306,8 @@ xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
       *enable = handler ? tiva_phy_intenable : NULL;
     }
 
-  /* Return the old handler (so that it can be restored) */
-
   leave_critical_section(flags);
-  return oldhandler;
+  return OK;
 }
 #endif /* CONFIG_TIVA_PHY_INTERRUPTS */
 
diff --git a/configs/sam4e-ek/src/sam_ethernet.c b/configs/sam4e-ek/src/sam_ethernet.c
index c59e395e94..7b41e6b622 100644
--- a/configs/sam4e-ek/src/sam_ethernet.c
+++ b/configs/sam4e-ek/src/sam_ethernet.c
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 /************************************************************************************
  * configs/sam4e-ek/src/sam_ethernet.c
  *
- *   Copyright (C) 2014 Gregory Nutt. All rights reserved.
+ *   Copyright (C) 2014, 2017 Gregory Nutt. All rights reserved.
  *   Author: Gregory Nutt <gnutt@nuttx.org>
  *
  * Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without
@@ -83,14 +83,6 @@
 #  define phyinfo(x...)
 #endif
 
-/************************************************************************************
- * Private Data
- ************************************************************************************/
-
-#ifdef CONFIG_SAM34_GPIOD_IRQ
-static xcpt_t g_emac_handler;
-#endif
-
 /************************************************************************************
  * Private Functions
  ************************************************************************************/
@@ -184,23 +176,21 @@ void weak_function sam_netinitialize(void)
  *             asserts an interrupt.  Must reside in OS space, but can
  *             signal tasks in user space.  A value of NULL can be passed
  *             in order to detach and disable the PHY interrupt.
+ *   arg     - The argument that will accompany the interrupt
  *   enable  - A function pointer that be unsed to enable or disable the
  *             PHY interrupt.
  *
  * Returned Value:
- *   The previous PHY interrupt handler address is returned.  This allows you
- *   to temporarily replace an interrupt handler, then restore the original
- *   interrupt handler.  NULL is returned if there is was not handler in
- *   place when the call was made.
+ *   Zero (OK) returned on success; a negated errno value is returned on
+ *   failure.
  *
  ****************************************************************************/
 
 #ifdef CONFIG_SAM34_GPIOD_IRQ
-xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
+int arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, void *arg,
+                 phy_enable_t *enable)
 {
   irqstate_t flags;
-  xcpt_t *phandler;
-  xcpt_t oldhandler;
   gpio_pinset_t pinset;
   phy_enable_t enabler;
   int irq;
@@ -213,7 +203,6 @@ xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
   if (strcmp(intf, SAM34_EMAC_DEVNAME) == 0)
     {
       phyinfo("Select EMAC\n");
-      phandler = &g_emac_handler;
       pinset   = GPIO_PHY_IRQ;
       irq      = SAM_PHY_IRQ;
       enabler  = sam_emac_phy_enable;
@@ -230,11 +219,6 @@ xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
 
   flags = enter_critical_section();
 
-  /* Get the old interrupt handler and save the new one */
-
-  oldhandler = *phandler;
-  *phandler  = handler;
-
   /* Configure the interrupt */
 
   if (handler)
@@ -243,7 +227,7 @@ xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
       sam_gpioirq(pinset);
 
       phyinfo("Attach IRQ%d\n", irq);
-      (void)irq_attach(irq, handler, NULL);
+      (void)irq_attach(irq, handler, arg);
     }
   else
     {
@@ -266,7 +250,7 @@ xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
   /* Return the old handler (so that it can be restored) */
 
   leave_critical_section(flags);
-  return oldhandler;
+  return OK;
 }
 #endif /* CONFIG_SAM34_GPIOD_IRQ */
 
diff --git a/configs/sama5d3-xplained/src/sam_ethernet.c b/configs/sama5d3-xplained/src/sam_ethernet.c
index bad7d48b92..501acac39f 100644
--- a/configs/sama5d3-xplained/src/sam_ethernet.c
+++ b/configs/sama5d3-xplained/src/sam_ethernet.c
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 /************************************************************************************
  * configs/sama5d3-xplained/src/sam_ethernet.c
  *
- *   Copyright (C) 2014 Gregory Nutt. All rights reserved.
+ *   Copyright (C) 2014, 2017 Gregory Nutt. All rights reserved.
  *   Author: Gregory Nutt <gnutt@nuttx.org>
  *
  * Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without
@@ -93,19 +93,6 @@
 #  define phyinfo(x...)
 #endif
 
-/************************************************************************************
- * Private Data
- ************************************************************************************/
-
-#ifdef CONFIG_SAMA5_PIOE_IRQ
-#ifdef CONFIG_SAMA5_EMACA
-static xcpt_t g_emac_handler;
-#endif
-#ifdef CONFIG_SAMA5_GMAC
-static xcpt_t g_gmac_handler;
-#endif
-#endif
-
 /************************************************************************************
  * Private Functions
  ************************************************************************************/
@@ -255,23 +242,21 @@ void weak_function sam_netinitialize(void)
  *             asserts an interrupt.  Must reside in OS space, but can
  *             signal tasks in user space.  A value of NULL can be passed
  *             in order to detach and disable the PHY interrupt.
+ *   arg     - The argument that will accompany the interrupt
  *   enable  - A function pointer that be unsed to enable or disable the
  *             PHY interrupt.
  *
  * Returned Value:
- *   The previous PHY interrupt handler address is returned.  This allows you
- *   to temporarily replace an interrupt handler, then restore the original
- *   interrupt handler.  NULL is returned if there is was not handler in
- *   place when the call was made.
+ *   Zero (OK) returned on success; a negated errno value is returned on
+ *   failure.
  *
  ****************************************************************************/
 
 #ifdef CONFIG_SAMA5_PIOE_IRQ
-xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
+int arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, void *arg,
+                 phy_enable_t *enable)
 {
   irqstate_t flags;
-  xcpt_t *phandler;
-  xcpt_t oldhandler;
   pio_pinset_t pinset;
   phy_enable_t enabler;
   int irq;
@@ -290,7 +275,6 @@ xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
   if (strcmp(intf, SAMA5_EMAC_DEVNAME) == 0)
     {
       phyinfo("Select EMAC\n");
-      phandler = &g_emac_handler;
       pinset   = PIO_INT_ETH1;
       irq      = IRQ_INT_ETH1;
       enabler  = sam_emac_phy_enable;
@@ -301,7 +285,6 @@ xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
   if (strcmp(intf, SAMA5_GMAC_DEVNAME) == 0)
     {
       phyinfo("Select GMAC\n");
-      phandler = &g_gmac_handler;
       pinset   = PIO_INT_ETH0;
       irq      = IRQ_INT_ETH0;
       enabler  = sam_gmac_phy_enable;
@@ -319,11 +302,6 @@ xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
 
   flags = enter_critical_section();
 
-  /* Get the old interrupt handler and save the new one */
-
-  oldhandler = *phandler;
-  *phandler = handler;
-
   /* Configure the interrupt */
 
   if (handler)
@@ -332,7 +310,7 @@ xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
       sam_pioirq(pinset);
 
       phyinfo("Attach IRQ%d\n", irq);
-      (void)irq_attach(irq, handler, NULL);
+      (void)irq_attach(irq, handler, arg);
     }
   else
     {
@@ -355,7 +333,7 @@ xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
   /* Return the old handler (so that it can be restored) */
 
   leave_critical_section(flags);
-  return oldhandler;
+  return OK;
 }
 #endif /* CONFIG_SAMA5_PIOE_IRQ */
 
diff --git a/configs/sama5d3x-ek/src/sam_ethernet.c b/configs/sama5d3x-ek/src/sam_ethernet.c
index 9dd45b9c62..5121a03ff4 100644
--- a/configs/sama5d3x-ek/src/sam_ethernet.c
+++ b/configs/sama5d3x-ek/src/sam_ethernet.c
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 /************************************************************************************
  * configs/sama5d3x-ek/src/sam_ethernet.c
  *
- *   Copyright (C) 2013-2014 Gregory Nutt. All rights reserved.
+ *   Copyright (C) 2013-2014, 2017 Gregory Nutt. All rights reserved.
  *   Author: Gregory Nutt <gnutt@nuttx.org>
  *
  * Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without
@@ -93,19 +93,6 @@
 #  define phyinfo(x...)
 #endif
 
-/************************************************************************************
- * Private Data
- ************************************************************************************/
-
-#ifdef CONFIG_SAMA5_PIOE_IRQ
-#ifdef CONFIG_SAMA5_EMACA
-static xcpt_t g_emac_handler;
-#endif
-#ifdef CONFIG_SAMA5_GMAC
-static xcpt_t g_gmac_handler;
-#endif
-#endif
-
 /************************************************************************************
  * Private Functions
  ************************************************************************************/
@@ -255,23 +242,21 @@ void weak_function sam_netinitialize(void)
  *             asserts an interrupt.  Must reside in OS space, but can
  *             signal tasks in user space.  A value of NULL can be passed
  *             in order to detach and disable the PHY interrupt.
+ *   arg     - The argument that will accompany the interrupt
  *   enable  - A function pointer that be unsed to enable or disable the
  *             PHY interrupt.
  *
  * Returned Value:
- *   The previous PHY interrupt handler address is returned.  This allows you
- *   to temporarily replace an interrupt handler, then restore the original
- *   interrupt handler.  NULL is returned if there is was not handler in
- *   place when the call was made.
+ *   Zero (OK) returned on success; a negated errno value is returned on
+ *   failure.
  *
  ****************************************************************************/
 
 #ifdef CONFIG_SAMA5_PIOE_IRQ
-xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
+int arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, void *arg,
+                 phy_enable_t *enable)
 {
   irqstate_t flags;
-  xcpt_t *phandler;
-  xcpt_t oldhandler;
   pio_pinset_t pinset;
   phy_enable_t enabler;
   int irq;
@@ -290,7 +275,6 @@ xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
   if (strcmp(intf, SAMA5_EMAC_DEVNAME) == 0)
     {
       phyinfo("Select EMAC\n");
-      phandler = &g_emac_handler;
       pinset   = PIO_INT_ETH1;
       irq      = IRQ_INT_ETH1;
       enabler  = sam_emac_phy_enable;
@@ -301,7 +285,6 @@ xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
   if (strcmp(intf, SAMA5_GMAC_DEVNAME) == 0)
     {
       phyinfo("Select GMAC\n");
-      phandler = &g_gmac_handler;
       pinset   = PIO_INT_ETH0;
       irq      = IRQ_INT_ETH0;
       enabler  = sam_gmac_phy_enable;
@@ -319,11 +302,6 @@ xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
 
   flags = enter_critical_section();
 
-  /* Get the old interrupt handler and save the new one */
-
-  oldhandler = *phandler;
-  *phandler = handler;
-
   /* Configure the interrupt */
 
   if (handler)
@@ -332,7 +310,7 @@ xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
       sam_pioirq(pinset);
 
       phyinfo("Attach IRQ%d\n", irq);
-      (void)irq_attach(irq, handler, NULL);
+      (void)irq_attach(irq, handler, arg);
     }
   else
     {
@@ -355,7 +333,7 @@ xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
   /* Return the old handler (so that it can be restored) */
 
   leave_critical_section(flags);
-  return oldhandler;
+  return OK;
 }
 #endif /* CONFIG_SAMA5_PIOE_IRQ */
 
diff --git a/configs/sama5d4-ek/src/sam_ethernet.c b/configs/sama5d4-ek/src/sam_ethernet.c
index 9231e22758..15cce4d2e1 100644
--- a/configs/sama5d4-ek/src/sam_ethernet.c
+++ b/configs/sama5d4-ek/src/sam_ethernet.c
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 /************************************************************************************
  * configs/sama5d4-ek/src/sam_ethernet.c
  *
- *   Copyright (C) 2014 Gregory Nutt. All rights reserved.
+ *   Copyright (C) 2014, 2017 Gregory Nutt. All rights reserved.
  *   Author: Gregory Nutt <gnutt@nuttx.org>
  *
  * Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without
@@ -93,19 +93,6 @@
 #  define phyinfo(x...)
 #endif
 
-/************************************************************************************
- * Private Data
- ************************************************************************************/
-
-#ifdef CONFIG_SAMA5_PIOE_IRQ
-#ifdef CONFIG_SAMA5_EMAC0
-static xcpt_t g_emac0_handler;
-#endif
-#ifdef CONFIG_SAMA5_EMAC1
-static xcpt_t g_emac1_handler;
-#endif
-#endif
-
 /************************************************************************************
  * Private Functions
  ************************************************************************************/
@@ -224,23 +211,21 @@ void weak_function sam_netinitialize(void)
  *             asserts an interrupt.  Must reside in OS space, but can
  *             signal tasks in user space.  A value of NULL can be passed
  *             in order to detach and disable the PHY interrupt.
+ *   arg     - The argument that will accompany the interrupt
  *   enable  - A function pointer that be unsed to enable or disable the
  *             PHY interrupt.
  *
  * Returned Value:
- *   The previous PHY interrupt handler address is returned.  This allows you
- *   to temporarily replace an interrupt handler, then restore the original
- *   interrupt handler.  NULL is returned if there is was not handler in
- *   place when the call was made.
+ *   Zero (OK) returned on success; a negated errno value is returned on
+ *   failure.
  *
  ****************************************************************************/
 
 #ifdef CONFIG_SAMA5_PIOE_IRQ
-xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
+int arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, void *arg,
+                 phy_enable_t *enable)
 {
   irqstate_t flags;
-  xcpt_t *phandler;
-  xcpt_t oldhandler;
   pio_pinset_t pinset;
   phy_enable_t enabler;
   int irq;
@@ -259,7 +244,6 @@ xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
   if (strcmp(intf, SAMA5_EMAC0_DEVNAME) == 0)
     {
       phyinfo("Select EMAC0\n");
-      phandler = &g_emac0_handler;
       pinset   = PIO_INT_ETH0;
       irq      = IRQ_INT_ETH0;
       enabler  = sam_emac0_phy_enable;
@@ -270,7 +254,6 @@ xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
   if (strcmp(intf, SAMA5_EMAC1_DEVNAME) == 0)
     {
       phyinfo("Select EMAC1\n");
-      phandler = &g_emac1_handler;
       pinset   = PIO_INT_ETH1;
       irq      = IRQ_INT_ETH1;
       enabler  = sam_emac1_phy_enable;
@@ -288,11 +271,6 @@ xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
 
   flags = enter_critical_section();
 
-  /* Get the old interrupt handler and save the new one */
-
-  oldhandler = *phandler;
-  *phandler  = handler;
-
   /* Configure the interrupt */
 
   if (handler)
@@ -301,7 +279,7 @@ xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
       sam_pioirq(pinset);
 
       phyinfo("Attach IRQ%d\n", irq);
-      (void)irq_attach(irq, handler, NULL);
+      (void)irq_attach(irq, handler, arg);
     }
   else
     {
@@ -324,7 +302,7 @@ xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
   /* Return the old handler (so that it can be restored) */
 
   leave_critical_section(flags);
-  return oldhandler;
+  return OK;
 }
 #endif /* CONFIG_SAMA5_PIOE_IRQ */
 
diff --git a/configs/same70-xplained/src/sam_ethernet.c b/configs/same70-xplained/src/sam_ethernet.c
index ecf61bdf73..053003fe11 100644
--- a/configs/same70-xplained/src/sam_ethernet.c
+++ b/configs/same70-xplained/src/sam_ethernet.c
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 /************************************************************************************
  * configs/same70-xplained/src/sam_ethernet.c
  *
- *   Copyright (C) 2015-2016 Gregory Nutt. All rights reserved.
+ *   Copyright (C) 2015-2017 Gregory Nutt. All rights reserved.
  *   Author: Gregory Nutt <gnutt@nuttx.org>
  *
  * Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without
@@ -89,14 +89,6 @@
 #  define phyinfo(x...)
 #endif
 
-/************************************************************************************
- * Private Data
- ************************************************************************************/
-
-#ifdef CONFIG_SAMV7_GPIOA_IRQ
-static xcpt_t g_emac0_handler;
-#endif
-
 /************************************************************************************
  * Private Functions
  ************************************************************************************/
@@ -288,23 +280,21 @@ int sam_emac0_setmac(void)
  *             asserts an interrupt.  Must reside in OS space, but can
  *             signal tasks in user space.  A value of NULL can be passed
  *             in order to detach and disable the PHY interrupt.
+ *   arg     - The argument that will accompany the interrupt
  *   enable  - A function pointer that be unsed to enable or disable the
  *             PHY interrupt.
  *
  * Returned Value:
- *   The previous PHY interrupt handler address is returned.  This allows you
- *   to temporarily replace an interrupt handler, then restore the original
- *   interrupt handler.  NULL is returned if there is was not handler in
- *   place when the call was made.
+ *   Zero (OK) returned on success; a negated errno value is returned on
+ *   failure.
  *
  ****************************************************************************/
 
 #ifdef CONFIG_SAMV7_GPIOA_IRQ
-xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
+int arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, void *arg,
+                 phy_enable_t *enable)
 {
   irqstate_t flags;
-  xcpt_t *phandler;
-  xcpt_t oldhandler;
   gpio_pinset_t pinset;
   phy_enable_t enabler;
   int irq;
@@ -317,7 +307,6 @@ xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
   if (strcmp(intf, SAMV7_EMAC0_DEVNAME) == 0)
     {
       phyinfo("Select EMAC0\n");
-      phandler = &g_emac0_handler;
       pinset   = GPIO_EMAC0_INT;
       irq      = IRQ_EMAC0_INT;
       enabler  = sam_emac0_phy_enable;
@@ -334,11 +323,6 @@ xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
 
   flags = enter_critical_section();
 
-  /* Get the old interrupt handler and save the new one */
-
-  oldhandler = *phandler;
-  *phandler  = handler;
-
   /* Configure the interrupt */
 
   if (handler)
@@ -347,7 +331,7 @@ xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
       sam_gpioirq(pinset);
 
       phyinfo("Attach IRQ%d\n", irq);
-      (void)irq_attach(irq, handler, NULL);
+      (void)irq_attach(irq, handler, arg);
     }
   else
     {
@@ -370,7 +354,7 @@ xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
   /* Return the old handler (so that it can be restored) */
 
   leave_critical_section(flags);
-  return oldhandler;
+  return OK;
 }
 #endif /* CONFIG_SAMV7_GPIOA_IRQ */
 
diff --git a/configs/samv71-xult/src/sam_ethernet.c b/configs/samv71-xult/src/sam_ethernet.c
index 247c725824..c08097eaee 100644
--- a/configs/samv71-xult/src/sam_ethernet.c
+++ b/configs/samv71-xult/src/sam_ethernet.c
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 /************************************************************************************
  * configs/samv71-xult/src/sam_ethernet.c
  *
- *   Copyright (C) 2015-2016 Gregory Nutt. All rights reserved.
+ *   Copyright (C) 2015-2017 Gregory Nutt. All rights reserved.
  *   Author: Gregory Nutt <gnutt@nuttx.org>
  *
  * Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without
@@ -89,14 +89,6 @@
 #  define phyinfo(x...)
 #endif
 
-/************************************************************************************
- * Private Data
- ************************************************************************************/
-
-#ifdef CONFIG_SAMV7_GPIOA_IRQ
-static xcpt_t g_emac0_handler;
-#endif
-
 /************************************************************************************
  * Private Functions
  ************************************************************************************/
@@ -292,23 +284,21 @@ int sam_emac0_setmac(void)
  *             asserts an interrupt.  Must reside in OS space, but can
  *             signal tasks in user space.  A value of NULL can be passed
  *             in order to detach and disable the PHY interrupt.
+ *   arg     - The argument that will accompany the interrupt
  *   enable  - A function pointer that be unsed to enable or disable the
  *             PHY interrupt.
  *
  * Returned Value:
- *   The previous PHY interrupt handler address is returned.  This allows you
- *   to temporarily replace an interrupt handler, then restore the original
- *   interrupt handler.  NULL is returned if there is was not handler in
- *   place when the call was made.
+ *   Zero (OK) returned on success; a negated errno value is returned on
+ *   failure.
  *
  ****************************************************************************/
 
 #ifdef CONFIG_SAMV7_GPIOA_IRQ
-xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
+int arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, void *arg,
+                 phy_enable_t *enable)
 {
   irqstate_t flags;
-  xcpt_t *phandler;
-  xcpt_t oldhandler;
   gpio_pinset_t pinset;
   phy_enable_t enabler;
   int irq;
@@ -322,7 +312,6 @@ xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
     {
       phyinfo("Select EMAC0\n");
 
-      phandler = &g_emac0_handler;
       pinset   = GPIO_EMAC0_INT;
       irq      = IRQ_EMAC0_INT;
       enabler  = sam_emac0_phy_enable;
@@ -339,11 +328,6 @@ xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
 
   flags = enter_critical_section();
 
-  /* Get the old interrupt handler and save the new one */
-
-  oldhandler = *phandler;
-  *phandler  = handler;
-
   /* Configure the interrupt */
 
   if (handler)
@@ -352,7 +336,7 @@ xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
       sam_gpioirq(pinset);
 
       phyinfo("Attach IRQ%d\n", irq);
-      (void)irq_attach(irq, handler, NULL);
+      (void)irq_attach(irq, handler, arg);
     }
   else
     {
@@ -375,7 +359,7 @@ xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
   /* Return the old handler (so that it can be restored) */
 
   leave_critical_section(flags);
-  return oldhandler;
+  return OK;
 }
 #endif /* CONFIG_SAMV7_GPIOA_IRQ */
 
diff --git a/configs/stm32f4discovery/src/stm32_ethernet.c b/configs/stm32f4discovery/src/stm32_ethernet.c
index 0cc23c6016..fcd6d6c214 100644
--- a/configs/stm32f4discovery/src/stm32_ethernet.c
+++ b/configs/stm32f4discovery/src/stm32_ethernet.c
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 /************************************************************************************
  * configs/stm32f4discovery/src/stm32_ethernet.c
  *
- *   Copyright (C) 2015 Gregory Nutt. All rights reserved.
+ *   Copyright (C) 2015, 2017 Gregory Nutt. All rights reserved.
  *   Author: Gregory Nutt <gnutt@nuttx.org>
  *
  * Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without
@@ -94,6 +94,7 @@
 
 #ifdef HAVE_NETMONITOR
 static xcpt_t g_ethmac_handler;
+static void  *g_ethmac_arg;
 #endif
 
 /************************************************************************************
@@ -113,7 +114,7 @@ static void stm32_emac0_phy_enable(bool enable)
       /* Attach and enable GPIO interrupt (and event) on the falling edge */
 
       (void)stm32_gpiosetevent(GPIO_EMAC_NINT, false, true, true,
-                               g_ethmac_handler, NULL);
+                               g_ethmac_handler, g_ethmac_arg);
     }
   else
     {
@@ -203,22 +204,21 @@ void weak_function stm32_netinitialize(void)
  *             asserts an interrupt.  Must reside in OS space, but can
  *             signal tasks in user space.  A value of NULL can be passed
  *             in order to detach and disable the PHY interrupt.
+ *   arg     - The argument that will accompany the interrupt
  *   enable  - A function pointer that be unsed to enable or disable the
  *             PHY interrupt.
  *
  * Returned Value:
- *   The previous PHY interrupt handler address is returned.  This allows you
- *   to temporarily replace an interrupt handler, then restore the original
- *   interrupt handler.  NULL is returned if there is was not handler in
- *   place when the call was made.
+ *   Zero (OK) returned on success; a negated errno value is returned on
+ *   failure.
  *
  ****************************************************************************/
 
 #ifdef HAVE_NETMONITOR
-xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
+int arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, void *arg,
+                 phy_enable_t *enable)
 {
   phy_enable_t enabler;
-  xcpt_t oldhandler;
   irqstate_t flags;
 
   ninfo("%s: handler=%p\n", intf, handler);
@@ -226,13 +226,13 @@ xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
 
   DEBUGASSERT(intf);
 
-  flags      = enter_critical_section();
-  oldhandler = g_ethmac_handler;
+  flags = enter_critical_section();
 
   if (strcmp(intf, STM32_ETHMAC_DEVNAME) == 0)
     {
       phyinfo("Select ETHMAC\n");
       g_ethmac_handler = handler;
+      g_ethmac_arg     = arg;
       enabler          = stm32_emac0_phy_enable;
     }
   else
@@ -247,7 +247,7 @@ xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable)
     }
 
   leave_critical_section(flags);
-  return oldhandler;
+  return OK;
 }
 #endif
 
diff --git a/drivers/net/phy_notify.c b/drivers/net/phy_notify.c
index 2b552d620d..bb179ca0a9 100644
--- a/drivers/net/phy_notify.c
+++ b/drivers/net/phy_notify.c
@@ -102,7 +102,6 @@ struct phy_notify_s
 {
   bool assigned;
   uint8_t signo;
-  uint8_t index;
 #ifdef CONFIG_NETDEV_MULTINIC
   char intf[CONFIG_PHY_NOTIFICATION_MAXINTFLEN+1];
 #endif
@@ -115,17 +114,11 @@ struct phy_notify_s
  * Private Function Prototypes
  ****************************************************************************/
 
-static int phy_handler(FAR struct phy_notify_s *client);
-static int phy_handler_0(int irq, FAR void *context, FAR void *arg);
-#if CONFIG_PHY_NOTIFICATION_NCLIENTS > 1
-static int phy_handler_1(int irq, FAR void *context, FAR void *arg);
-#if CONFIG_PHY_NOTIFICATION_NCLIENTS > 2
-static int phy_handler_2(int irq, FAR void *context, FAR void *arg);
-#if CONFIG_PHY_NOTIFICATION_NCLIENTS > 3
-static int phy_handler_3(int irq, FAR void *context, FAR void *arg);
-#endif
-#endif
-#endif
+static void phy_semtake(void);
+static FAR struct phy_notify_s *phy_find_unassigned(void);
+static FAR struct phy_notify_s *phy_find_assigned(FAR const char *intf,
+                                                  pid_t pid);
+static int phy_handler(int irq, FAR void *context, FAR void *arg);
 
 /****************************************************************************
  * Private Data
@@ -138,22 +131,6 @@ static sem_t g_notify_clients_sem = SEM_INITIALIZER(1);
 
 static struct phy_notify_s g_notify_clients[CONFIG_PHY_NOTIFICATION_NCLIENTS];
 
-/* Handler addresses accessed with the same index as g_notify_clients[] */
-
-static const xcpt_t g_notify_handler[CONFIG_PHY_NOTIFICATION_NCLIENTS] =
-{
-    phy_handler_0
-#if CONFIG_PHY_NOTIFICATION_NCLIENTS > 1
-    , phy_handler_1
-#if CONFIG_PHY_NOTIFICATION_NCLIENTS > 2
-    , phy_handler_2
-#if CONFIG_PHY_NOTIFICATION_NCLIENTS > 3
-    , phy_handler_3
-#endif
-#endif
-#endif
-};
-
 /****************************************************************************
  * Private Functions
  ****************************************************************************/
@@ -197,7 +174,6 @@ static FAR struct phy_notify_s *phy_find_unassigned(void)
 
           client->assigned = true;
           client->signo    = 0;
-          client->index    = i;
 #ifdef CONFIG_NETDEV_MULTINIC
           client->intf[0]  = '\0';
 #endif
@@ -258,16 +234,16 @@ static FAR struct phy_notify_s *phy_find_assigned(FAR const char *intf,
  * Name: phy_handler
  ****************************************************************************/
 
-static int phy_handler(FAR struct phy_notify_s *client)
+static int phy_handler(int irq, FAR void *context, FAR void *arg)
 {
+  FAR struct phy_notify_s *client = (FAR struct phy_notify_s *)arg;
 #ifdef CONFIG_CAN_PASS_STRUCTS
   union sigval value;
 #endif
   int ret;
 
-  DEBUGASSERT(client && client->assigned && client->enable);
-  phyinfo("Entry client %d, signalling PID=%d with signal %d\n",
-          client->index, client->pid, client->signo);
+  DEBUGASSERT(client != NULL && client->assigned && client->enable);
+  phyinfo("Signalling PID=%d with signal %d\n", client->pid, client->signo);
 
   /* Disable further interrupts */
 
@@ -294,36 +270,6 @@ static int phy_handler(FAR struct phy_notify_s *client)
   return OK;
 }
 
-/****************************************************************************
- * Name: phy_handler_0, phy_handler_1, ...
- ****************************************************************************/
-
-static int phy_handler_0(int irq, FAR void *context, FAR void *arg)
-{
-  return phy_handler(&g_notify_clients[0]);
-}
-
-#if CONFIG_PHY_NOTIFICATION_NCLIENTS > 1
-static int phy_handler_1(int irq, FAR void *context, FAR void *arg)
-{
-  return phy_handler(&g_notify_clients[1]);
-}
-#endif
-
-#if CONFIG_PHY_NOTIFICATION_NCLIENTS > 2
-static int phy_handler_2(int irq, FAR void *context, FAR void *arg)
-{
-  return phy_handler(&g_notify_clients[2]);
-}
-#endif
-
-#if CONFIG_PHY_NOTIFICATION_NCLIENTS > 3
-static int phy_handler_3(int irq, FAR void *context, FAR void *arg)
-{
-  return phy_handler(&g_notify_clients[3]);
-}
-#endif
-
 /****************************************************************************
  * Public Functions
  ****************************************************************************/
@@ -358,6 +304,8 @@ int phy_notify_subscribe(FAR const char *intf, pid_t pid, int signo,
                          FAR void *arg)
 {
   FAR struct phy_notify_s *client;
+  int ret = OK;
+
   DEBUGASSERT(intf);
 
   ninfo("%s: PID=%d signo=%d arg=%p\n", intf, pid, signo, arg);
@@ -403,14 +351,14 @@ int phy_notify_subscribe(FAR const char *intf, pid_t pid, int signo,
 
       /* Attach/re-attach the PHY interrupt */
 
-      (void)arch_phy_irq(intf, g_notify_handler[client->index], &client->enable);
+      ret = arch_phy_irq(intf, phy_handler, client, &client->enable);
     }
 
   /* Enable/re-enable the PH interrupt */
 
   DEBUGASSERT(client->enable);
   client->enable(true);
-  return OK;
+  return ret;
 }
 
 /****************************************************************************
diff --git a/include/nuttx/arch.h b/include/nuttx/arch.h
index a0cc691e41..ce72c82c90 100644
--- a/include/nuttx/arch.h
+++ b/include/nuttx/arch.h
@@ -2247,19 +2247,19 @@ int up_rtc_settime(FAR const struct timespec *tp);
  *             asserts an interrupt.  Must reside in OS space, but can
  *             signal tasks in user space.  A value of NULL can be passed
  *             in order to detach and disable the PHY interrupt.
+ *   arg     - The argument that will accompany the interrupt
  *   enable  - A function pointer that be unsed to enable or disable the
  *             PHY interrupt.
  *
  * Returned Value:
- *   The previous PHY interrupt handler address is returned.  This allows you
- *   to temporarily replace an interrupt handler, then restore the original
- *   interrupt handler.  NULL is returned if there is was not handler in
- *   place when the call was made.
+ *   Zero (OK) returned on success; a negated errno value is returned on
+ *   failure.
  *
  ****************************************************************************/
 
 #ifdef CONFIG_ARCH_PHY_INTERRUPT
-xcpt_t arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, phy_enable_t *enable);
+int arch_phy_irq(FAR const char *intf, xcpt_t handler, void *arg,
+                 phy_enable_t *enable);
 #endif
 
 /****************************************************************************