D-Link DFE-530TX+ - Manual (Page 9)

DE-53OTX Ethernet/Fast Ethernet Adapter for PC/ Bus
Fast Ethernet comprises two subtypes: lOOBase-T4 and
lOOBase-TX. lOOBase-T4 Fast Ethernet can utilize existing
Category 3 or Category 4 UTP network cabling, but does
not provide for full duplex operation. lOOBase-TX requires
Category 5 cabling, but does provide full duplex operation.
Full duplex lOOBase-TX operation allows simultaneous
transmission and reception, both at lOOMbps, thus
providing service potentially equal to 200Mbps half-duplex
service.
The DFE-530TX Adapter does not support the lOOBase-T4
subtype. To provide compatibility in traditional 1OMbps
Ethernet environments (where, for example, DFE-530TX
adapters are installed
anticipating
upgrade of supporting
hub equipment to Fast Ethernet), the DFE-530TX also
supports traditional 10Mbps Ethernet operation, in full-
duplex as well, as half-duplex modes. Selection of the best
operation mode in any given installation is automatically
governed by auto-negotiation.
About Auto-negotiation
You have probably had the experience of making a dialup
connection through a modem, and have heard the
gravelly-sounding exchanges between your modem and the
modem at the other end of the telephone line (these
exchanges are ordinarily played out through a speaker in
your local modem). As irritating as those few seconds of
noise may be, they do let you know that your modem and
the remote modem are on the job, preparing for your
intended communication with the remote computer.
The preparatory work of the two modems during those few
seconds before you see the “onnect” message is to
negotiate
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