Abstract: Method and system for establishing asymmetric transfer rates between a first node and a second node communicating with each other via a network link using Ethernet as a network protocol is provided. The method includes determining during a negotiation process that the first node and the second node have compatible asymmetric capability to set a first rate for transmitting information via the network link and a second rate for receiving information via the network link using Ethernet as the network protocol; and establishing the first rate for transmitting information and the second rate for receiving information. Furthermore, the first node includes a first port having a receive segment and a transmit segment. The transmit segment and the receive segment have separate PLL modules such that the transmit segment can transmit data at a first rate and the receive segment can receive data at a second rate via the network link.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a system allowing a flexible upgrade of a computer system (e.g. server) to a high-speed network connection comprises base configuration motherboard or network card including a set of low-speed (e.g. 1 Gbps Ethernet) media access controllers (MACs) each connected to a low-speed physical controller (PHY), and a set of high-speed (e.g. 10 Gbps Ethernet) MACs. An expansion card including high-speed PHYs of choice can be connected by an end user to the base configuration motherboard or network card. A flow classifier classifies data sent/received over both high-speed and low-speed ports, and a single driver may control both high- and low-speed ports. One or both of the motherboard and/or expansion card are configured according to a detected type (e.g. physical layer standard, vendor) of expansion card connected to the motherboard and/or type of physical medium connected to the expansion card.