Ethernet capabilities

Ethernet capabilities, such as line speed and duplex mode, can enhance your system's performance.

System i™ products are capable of transmitting and receiving data at speeds from 10 megabits per second (10 Mbps) to 10 gigabits per second (10 Gbps or 10 000 Mbps). Functions such as full duplex also enhance the communication speeds and the overall performance of Ethernet.

• Line speed
  The speed of data transfer is limited by the connection type, cabling, and maximum speeds that your system and link partner support.

• Duplex mode
  Depending on your system's capabilities and the duplex mode of the link partner you are attaching to, you can use either full or half duplex.

• Gigabit and 10 Gigabit Ethernet
  System i products support Gigabit and 10 Gbps Ethernet, which requires the use of a 1 Gbps or 10 Gbps input/output adapter (IOA). The support for 10 Gbps Ethernet is limited to some models.

• Auto-negotiation
  Auto-negotiation is the preferred method of configuring your system's Ethernet connections.

• Auto-sensing
  If auto-negotiation fails, your system can match the line speed of its link partner.

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