Importance

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Abstract

An Ethernet communication system device that switches between SGMII and GBIC modes of operation, without software intervention. For example, a physical layer device ('PHY') for an Ethernet communication system that switches between SGMII and GBIC modes of operation, without software intervention, to match a link device mode of operation. The link device can be a Media Access Controller ('MAC'), a switch, an optical device, or the like. The PHY is coupled between the link device and a copper link media. The PHY can operate with a link device that has similar SGMII/GBIC switching capabilities. The PHY determines whether the link device is operating in SGMII or GBIC mode of operation. The link device mode of operation is then compared with a current PHY mode of operation. When the PHY mode of operation matches the link device mode of operation, the PHY continues to operate in the current PHY mode. Conversely, when the PHY mode of operation does not match the link device mode of operation, the PHY mode of operation is changed. The PHY mode of operation can be toggled between SGMII and GBIC. Alternatively, the PHY mode of operation is changed randomly or semi-randomly, to insure that the PHY will connect with a link partner that has similar SGMII/GBIC switching capabilities. The PHY mode of operation can be changed, for example, under control of a linear feedback shift register. After the PHY mode of operation has been changed, the process is repeated until the PHY mode of operation matches the link device mode of operation. The process can be implemented as part of an auto-negotiation process between the PHY and the link device. The auto-negotiation process is preferably implemented in accordance with IEEE 802.3, clause 37, or a modified version thereof.

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