Auto-MDIX Computer Networking

by Anonymous

Great article, however you didn't mention Auto-MDIX.

The automatic MDI/MDI-X configuration feature eliminates the need for crossover cables, making obsolete the uplink/normal ports and manual selector switches found on many older hubs and switches and greatly reducing installation errors. Note that although Automatic MDI/MDI-X is generally implemented, a crossover cable would still be required in the occasional situation that neither of the connected devices has the feature implemented and enabled.

Although Auto-MDIX is specified as an optional feature in the 1000BASE-T standard1, in practice it is implemented on all 1000BASE-TX interfaces.
Modern switches automatically apply an internal crossover when necessary. Besides the eventually agreed upon Automatic MDI/MDI-X, this feature may also be referred to by various vendor-specific terms including: Auto uplink and trade, Universal Cable Recognition and Auto Sensing.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethernet_crossover_cable
Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auto-MDIX