System information

10-14
Port Status and Basic Configuration
Viewing Port Status and Configuring Port Parameters
This means you can use a “straight-through” twisted-pair cable or a “cross-
over” twisted-pair cable for any of the connections—the port makes the
necessary adjustments to accommodate either one for correct operation. The
following port types on your switch support the IEEE 802.3ab standard, which
includes the “Auto MDI/MDI-X” feature:
■ 10/100-TX ports
■ 10/100/1000-T ports
Using the above ports:
■ If you connect a copper port using a straight-through cable to a port on
another switch or hub that uses MDI-X ports, the switch port automati-
cally operates as an MDI port.
■ If you connect a copper port using a straight-through cable to a port on
an end node, such as a server or PC, that uses MDI ports, the switch port
automatically operates as an MDI-X port.
Auto-MDIX was developed for auto-negotiating devices, and was shared with
the IEEE for the development of the IEEE 802.3ab standard. Auto-MDIX and
the IEEE 802.3ab Auto MDI/MID-X feature are completely compatible. Addi-
tionally, Auto-MDIX supports operation in forced speed and duplex modes.
If you want more information on this subject please refer to the IEEE 802.3ab
Standard Reference.
For more information on MDI-X, refer to the appendix titled “Switch Ports and
Network Cables” in the Installation and Getting Started Guide for your
switch.
Manual Auto-MDIX Override
If you require control over the MDI/MDI-X feature you can set the switch to
either of two non-default modes:
■ Manual MDI
■ Manual MDI-X
Table 10-1 shows the cabling requirements for the MDI/MDI-X settings.
Table 10-1. Cable Types for Auto and Manual MDI/MDI-X Settings
MDI/MDI-X Device Type
Setting PC or Other MDI Device Type Switch, Hub, or Other MDI-X Device
Manual MDI Crossover Cable Straight-Through Cable
Manual MDI-X Straight-Through Cable Crossover Cable