
Issue 11
© Solarflare Communications 2014
143
Solarflare Server Adapter
User Guide
Ethernet Frame Length
The maximum Ethernet frame length used by the adapter to transmit data is (or should be) closely
related to the MTU (maximum transmission unit) of your network. The network MTU determines
the maximum frame size that your network is able to transmit across all devices in the network.
If the network uses Jumbo frames, SAM supports frames up to a maximum of 9216 bytes.
Table 34: Ethernet Flow Control Options
Option
Description
Auto-negotiate
Flow control is auto-negotiated between the devices. This is
the default setting preferring Generate and respond if they
line partner is capable.
Generate and respond
Adapter generates and responds to flow control messages.
Respond only
Adapter responds to flow control messages but is unable to
generate messages if it becomes overwhelmed.
Generate only
Adapter generates flow control messages but is unable to
respond to incoming messages and will keep sending data to
the link partner.
None
Ethernet flow control is disabled on the adapter. Data will
continue to flow even if the adapter or link partner is
overwhelmed.
NOTE:
For optimum performance set the Ethernet frame length to your network MTU.