D-Link DFE-550FX User Guide - Page 8

D-Link DFE-550FX Adapter Introduction Thank you for choosing the D-Link DFE-550FX Fiber-optics 100 Mbps Adapter. This introduction provides a general description of the newer networking technologies found on the DFE-550FX. ACPI Power Management The DFE-550FX adapter complies with the Advanced Configuration and Power Interface 1.0 (ACPI) specifications. ACPI is a new open industry specification providing power management support systems through hardware and operating system cooperation. ACPI specifies how a computer's BIOS, operating system, and peripherals coordinate power usage. With ACPI, the operating system reduces motherboard and peripheral device power needs by activating devices only when they are needed. 802.3x Flow Control The DFE-550FX implements IEEE 802.3x compliant flow control for full duplex, which provides traffic management functions for full duplex operation. Flow control allows for enhanced full duplex operation with switches. If the switch's data buffer is about to overflow when operating at full duplex, a Pause frame will be transmitted to the DFE-550FX. The ensuing idle time keeps the buffer from overflowing and prevents data from being lost. This enhancement can improve network throughput and prevent lost data, helping the network achieve optimal performance. In order for 802.3x Flow Control to operate, your switch or hub must support this feature. In addition, some adjustments to the switch or hub settings may be needed. 1