- Hewlett-Packard Switch User Manual

Port Status and 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 module ports
■ 100/1000-T module ports
■ 10/100/1000-T module ports
Using the above ports:
■ If you connect a copper port using a straight-through cable on a switch to
a port on another switch or hub that uses MDI-X ports, the switch port
automatically operates as an MDI port.
■ If you connect a copper port using a straight-through cable on a switch 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.
ProCurve Auto-MDIX was developed for auto-negotiating devices, and was
shared with the IEEE for the development of the IEEE 802.3ab standard.
ProCurve Auto-MDIX and the IEEE 802.3ab Auto MDI/MID-X feature are
completely compatible. Additionally, ProCurve Auto-MDIX supports opera-
tion 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 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 10-4 shows the cabling requirements for the MDI/MDI-X settings.
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