Auto-Negotiation

A key feature of the Sun FastEthernet PCI Adapter is auto-negotiation. The auto-negotiationprotocol, as specified by the 100BASE-T standard, selects the operation mode (half-duplex or full-duplex) and auto-sensing protocol selects the speed (10 Mbps or 100 Mbps) for the adapter.

The link speed and modes supported by the Sun FastEthernet PCI Adapter are listed as follows in decreasing order of priority:

■100 Mbps, full-duplex

■100 Mbps, half-duplex

■10 Mbps, full-duplex

■10 Mbps, half-duplex

When the system is booted, the Sun FastEthernet PCI Adapter advertises these capabilities to the Link Partner at the other end of the link (a hub, switch, or another network interface card (NIC) in a host system). If the Link Partner also supports auto-negotiation, it will advertise its capabilities over the link. The common highest priority mode supported by both sides is selected automatically for the link operation.

If the Sun FastEthernet PCI Adapter is connected to a remote system or to an interface that is not capable of auto-negotiation, your system automatically selects the speed and half-duplex mode.

If the Sun FastEthernet PCI Adapter is connected to a Link Partner in which auto-negotiation protocol is not operational, you can configure the device to not use this protocol and force the driver to set up the link in the mode and speed of your choice.

Refer to the Platform Notes: The hme Fast Ethernet Device Driver document for more information on the hme device driver and auto-negotiation. This document is also available in the Solaris AnswerBook.

Chapter 3 Using the Sun FastEthernet PCI Adapter 9