Gigabit Link Clock Mastership Controls

The concept of link clock mastership was introduced with gigabit twisted-pair technology. One side of the link is the master that provides the link clock and the other side is the slave that uses the link clock. Once this relationship is established, the link is up, and data can be communicated. Two physical layer parameters control whether your side is the master or the slave, or whether mastership is negotiated with the link partner.

TABLE 4-4Forced Mode Parameters

ParameterDescription

master-cfg-enableDetermines whether or not during the autonegotiation process the link clock mastership is setup automatically.

master-cfg-value• If the master-cfg-enableparameter is set, then the mastership is not set up automatically but depends on the value of master-cfg-value.

•If the master-cfg-valueis set then the physical layer expects the local device to be the link master.

•If the master-cfg-valueis not set then the parameter expects the link partner to be the master.

•If autonegotiation is not enabled, then the value of master- cfg-enableis ignored and the value of master-cfg-valueis key to the link clock mastership.

•If the master-cfg-valueis set, then the physical layer expects the local device to be the link master.

•If the master-cfg-valueis not set then the parameter expects the link partner to the master.

Table describes the Forced mode parameters.

Caution – Do not adjust the link clock mastership parameters unless you clearly understand the settings of the link partner. Incorrect link clock mastership configuration results in link-up failure.

Interpacket Gap Parameters

The ce device supports a programmable mode called enable_ipg0.

When an instance receives a packet with enable_ipg0 set (the default), it adds an additional time delay before transmitting the packet. This delay, set by the ipg0 parameter, is in addition to the delay set by the ipg1 and ipg2 parameters. The additional ipg0 delay helps reduce collisions.

Chapter 4 Configuring Driver Parameters 41

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Sun Microsystems GigaSwift Ethernet Adapter manual Gigabit Link Clock Mastership Controls, Interpacket Gap Parameters
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GigaSwift Ethernet Adapter specifications

The Sun Microsystems GigaSwift Ethernet Adapter is a high-performance network interface card that was designed to provide advanced connectivity solutions for enterprise environments. Launched in the early 2000s, this adapter caters to the increasing demands for speed and efficiency in networking, especially amidst the rise of data-intensive applications.

One of the standout features of the GigaSwift Ethernet Adapter is its capability to support gigabit Ethernet technology, delivering data transfer rates of up to 1 Gbps. This allows organizations to boost their network throughput significantly, ensuring that bandwidth-intensive applications, such as video conferencing, online collaboration, and large file transfers, can be handled without significant lag or disruption.

The adapter utilizes a PCI-X interface, which enhances its performance compared to traditional PCI interfaces. This allows for higher bandwidth operations, making the GigaSwift suitable for servers and workstations that require robust connectivity. It is backward compatible with earlier Ethernet standards, which means it can seamlessly communicate with existing network infrastructures, preserving investments in legacy technologies.

Another critical characteristic of the GigaSwift Ethernet Adapter is its support for various networking protocols. It is designed to operate in diverse networking environments, supporting both full-duplex and half-duplex modes, which maximizes its efficiency in data transmission. This flexibility makes it an ideal choice for heterogeneous networks where different devices and standards coexist.

Furthermore, the adapter features advanced error detection and correction technologies, ensuring reliable transmission of data over the network. With features such as flow control and jumbo frame support, it enhances the efficiency and performance of large-scale data transfers.

The GigaSwift also comes equipped with diagnostic and management utilities, allowing network administrators to monitor the network performance effectively. This is crucial for identifying bottlenecks and optimizing network configurations to ensure peak operational efficiency.

Overall, the Sun Microsystems GigaSwift Ethernet Adapter is an essential tool for businesses looking to upgrade their networking infrastructure. Its combination of speed, versatility, and reliability allows enterprises to adopt next-generation networking solutions while maintaining compatibility with existing systems, ultimately contributing to a more robust and efficient IT environment.
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