TRENDnet TE100-S4PCI Manual - Page 7

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-wayat-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 autonegotiation 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 autonegotiation 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. 3