Auto-negotiation is a network feature that allows two connected devices to automatically agree on the best connection settings they both support.

It commonly determines the connection speed and duplex mode between devices such as switches, routers and network cards. This reduces the need to configure these settings manually.

How It Works

• Two connected devices exchange information about their supported settings.
• Each device identifies the speeds and duplex modes it supports.
• They select the highest compatible setting.
• The connection starts using the agreed settings.

Common Uses

• Connecting computers to network switches.
• Setting Ethernet link speeds automatically.
• Connecting routers to switches.
• Reducing configuration errors on Ethernet networks.

Related Terms: Ethernet, Duplex Mode, Full Duplex, Half Duplex, Network Switch, Network Interface Card, Link Speed, Ethernet Port, Gigabit Ethernet, Ethernet Link

Related Entries

• USB Ethernet Adapter
• NIC
• Wireless Access Point
• ARP
• Bridge