Patent ID: 8218567

Claim:
A method, the method comprising: performing using one or more circuits and/or processors in an Ethernet-over-twisted-pair PHY, said Ethernet-over-twisted-pair PHY being coupled to a link partner via a plurality of twisted pairs: determining, based on one or more signals, one or both of: a current state of a link between said Ethernet-over-twisted-pair PHY and said link partner; and resources available to said Ethernet-over-twisted-pair PHY; and varying a number of constellation points utilized by said Ethernet-over-twisted-pair PHY for communicating over said plurality of twisted-pairs based on said determination, wherein: said number of constellation points is varied while continuing to communicate over each of said plurality of twisted pairs; and said number of constellation points is varied while a symbol rate at which said Ethernet-over-twisted-pair PHY remains unchanged.