Patent ID: 6457055
Filing Date: 2002-09-24
Classification: H04L

Abstract:
A method for connecting a local network device and a link partner device at matching settings, at least the local device supporting auto-negotiation mode and parallel detection, the method comprising the steps of:configuring at least the local device to a user selection of auto-negotiation mode or not; if set to auto-negotiation mode, then storing all supported abilities for the device; if not set to auto-negotiation mode, then storing only the user specified ability; performing parallel detection between the connected devices; connecting, or failing the connection, via auto-negotiation as supported by the devices; failing the connection if errors occurred during parallel detection; checking at least the local device for a setting of auto-negotiation mode, if set, then retrieving the supported abilities of the link partner device and setting the local device to match the link partner device, and if not set, then setting the local device to the user specified settings.