What does "Auto-Negotiation" enable in Ethernet connections?

Auto-Negotiation is a crucial feature in Ethernet connections that allows devices to automatically detect and negotiate the best possible speed and duplex settings for their communication. This process simplifies the configuration of network devices by eliminating the need for manual adjustments, ensuring that both sides of a connection operate optimally based on their capabilities.

When two Ethernet devices, such as switches or network interface cards, are connected, they can communicate their supported speeds (like 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, 1 Gbps, etc.) and duplex modes (half-duplex or full-duplex). The Auto-Negotiation process facilitates an agreement between the devices, enabling them to match their settings automatically. This capability not only enhances performance by maximizing throughput and reducing collisions but also adds flexibility to the network, as devices can seamlessly connect regardless of their make or model, as long as they adhere to standard Ethernet protocols.

This is why Auto-Negotiation is fundamental in modern networking environments, allowing for more straightforward setup and improved network performance without requiring extensive manual configuration.