Abstract: According to some embodiments, a first measurement of a network device signaling characteristic is performed. The network device includes a first communication port and a second communication port, the second port being associated with a detachable attachment. The first measurement is performed when the attachment is not attached to the second port. A second measurement of the signaling characteristic is then performed when the attachment is attached to the second port. At least one corrective value to be used by the network device is then determined based on the first and second measurement.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a method includes establishing a communication link between a first link partner and a second link partner, causing the first link partner to transmit idle signals, and analyzing a desired channel of the communication link using the idle signals. As an example, the communication link may be an Ethernet link and the link may be maintained during the channel analysis so that system data transmissions may be resumed or initiated immediately after the analysis is completed.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes determining a characteristic of a communication channel and selecting, on the basis of the determined characteristic, a pre-computed equalizer characteristic for application to signals received via the communication channel.