TRENDnet TE100-S4PCI, User Manual

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between the 4-Port 10/100M NWay Ethernet Switch Card and its
supporting hub include Ethernet type (100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet or
10BASE-T Ethernet) and duplex mode (half-duplex, being one-way-
at-a-time, or full duplex, being simultaneous transmit-and-receive).
Startup communication between the two devices occurs when devices
are power-on, the cable connection between them is good, and the
Network Operating System software is running. As soon as those
conditions are satisfied, the preparatory process of auto-negotiation
between the 4-Port 10/100M NWay Ethernet Switch Card and its
supporting hub proceeds automatically. If the hub has auto-
negotiation functionality, then it and the 4-Port 10/100M NWay
Ethernet Switch Card exchange a series of messages in which each
device signals its capabilities and listens for corresponding
information about the other. The auto-negotiation process requires
only a few milliseconds, and the two devices select the best
communication parameters supported by both devices.
If the hub does not have auto-negotiation functionality, then its
monotone (single capability) message will be recognized by the 4-Port
10/100M NWay Ethernet Switch Card’s auto-negotiation facility, and
the 4-Port 10/100M NWay Ethernet Switch Card will simply switch
to the one of its own capabilities which matches that of the hub.
When the preparatory procedure of auto-negotiation is completed,
then the line is ready and will provide a data channel that is optimal
for the two devices. The line will remain ready without further auto-
negotiation action until the linkage is broken. Auto-negotiation then
reoccurs at any time that the linkage is restored, again making the line
ready for optimal data communications.