ICS1892 datasheet(35/148 Pages) ICST

35 / 148 page

Chapter 7

Functional Blocks

ICS1892, Rev. D, 2/26/01

February 26, 2001

ICS1892

7.2

Functional Block: Auto-Negotiation

The auto-negotiation logic of the ICS1892 has the following main functions:

• To determine the capabilities of the remote link partner, (that is, the device at the other end of the link

segment’s medium or cable)

• To advertise the capabilities of the ICS1892 to the remote link partner

• To establish a protocol with the remote link partner using the highest-performance operating mode that

they have in common

The design of the ICS1892 Auto-Negotiation sublayer supports both legacy 10Base-T connections as well

as new connections that have multiple technology options for the link. For example, when the ICS1892 has

the auto-negotiation process enabled and it is operating with a 10Base-T remote link partner, the ICS1892

monitors the link and automatically selects the 10Base-T operating mode – even though the remote link

partner does not support auto-negotiation. This process, called parallel detection, is automatic and

transparent to the remote link partner and allows the ICS1892 to function seamlessly with existing legacy

network structures without any management intervention.

(For an overview of the auto-negotiation process, see Section 5.4, “Auto-Negotiation Operations”.)

ICS1892 Datasheet(PDF) 35 Page - Integrated Circuit Systems