Abstract: A software-based physical layer (PHY) management application is to configure a physical layer of a link through calls to an application programming interface (API) to send commands to firmware of a media access controller or internal PHY hardware of a platform. The commands to the firmware are to direct configuration of the physical layer of a link through the firmware, where the API abstracts functions of the controller and/or PHY hardware used to configure the physical layer of the link.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for register Read and Write operations over Auto Negotiation Next Pages. Register Reads and Writes are implemented using sequences of Auto Negotiation (AN) Next Page messages. The embodiments define mechanisms to use AN Next Pages to carry write and read instructions. It defines a bi-directional communication mechanism to allow writes to be confirmed and read data to be returned to the requestor. Sequences of several AN Next Pages are used to assemble full address and data fields, when necessary. Two link partners (endpoints or an endpoint and an intermediate partner) exchange AN Next Pages with address and data information. The method uses a unique device address assigned to each device discovered in the serial chain to enable write and read operations to specific devices.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for register Read and Write operations over Auto Negotiation Next Pages. Register Reads and Writes are implemented using sequences of Auto Negotiation (AN) Next Page messages. The embodiments define mechanisms to use AN Next Pages to carry write and read instructions. It defines a bi-directional communication mechanism to allow writes to be confirmed and read data to be returned to the requestor. Sequences of several AN Next Pages are used to assemble full address and data fields, when necessary. Two link partners (endpoints or an endpoint and an intermediate partner) exchange AN Next Pages with address and data information. The method uses a unique device address assigned to each device discovered in the serial chain to enable write and read operations to specific devices.