Autonegotiation

Autonegotiation (ANeg) can be used by devices that are capable of different transmission rates (such as 10 Mbit/s and 100 Mbit/s), different duplex modes (half duplex and full duplex), and/or different standards at the same speed (though in practice only one standard at each speed is widely supported). Every device declares its technology abilities, that is, its possible modes of operation. The two devices then choose the best possible mode of operation that are shared by the two devices, where higher speed (100 Mbit/s) is preferred over lower speed (10 Mbit/s), and full duplex is preferred over half duplex at the same speed.

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Auto-MDIX

Auto-MDIX (automatic medium-dependent interface crossover) is a computer networking technology that automatically detects the required cable connection type (straight-through or crossover) and configures the connection appropriately, thereby removing the need for crossover cables to interconnect switches or connecting PCs peer-to-peer. When it is enabled, either type of cable can be used and the interface automatically corrects any incorrect cabling. For Auto-MDIX to operate correctly, the speed on the interface and duplex setting must be set to "auto". Auto-MDIX was developed by HP engineers Dan Dove and Bruce Melvin.

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