DELL N3000 User Manual

Switch Feature Overview

Your switch supports auto-detection between crossed and straight-through 

cables. Media-Dependent Interface (MDI) is the standard wiring for end 

stations, and the standard wiring for hubs and switches is known as Media-

Dependent Interface with Crossover (MDIX). Auto-negotiation must be 

enabled for MDIX to detect the wiring configuration.

Packets arriving from an unknown source address are sent to the CPU and 

added to the Hardware Table. Future packets addressed to or from this 

address are more efficiently forwarded.

On half-duplex links, a receiver may prevent buffer overflows by jamming the 

link so that it is unavailable for additional traffic. On full-duplex links, a 

receiver may send a PAUSE frame indicating that the transmitter should 

cease transmission of frames for a specified period.
When flow control is enabled, the Dell Networking series switches will 

observe received PAUSE frames or jamming signals, but will not issue them 

when congested.

Auto negotiation allows the switch to advertise modes of operation. The auto 

negotiation function provides the means to exchange information between 

two switches that share a point-to-point link segment, and to automatically 

configure both switches to take maximum advantage of their transmission 

capabilities.
Dell Networking series switches enhance auto negotiation by providing 

configuration of port advertisement. Port advertisement allows the system 

administrator to configure the port speeds that are advertised.
For information about configuring auto negotiation, see "Configuring Port