Abstract: A method for feature negotiations between two synchronous modems. To engage in negotiations a modem must be configured to support synchronous operation, a data transfer rate of at least 4800 bits per second, and at least one non-default feature. After the orginating modem and the answering modem have completed standard handshaking sequences the originating modem initiates the negotiations by sending a list of supported features. The answering modem responds by confirming that all the features are supported, by returning a subset of the features list, or by sending a different features list. If the answering modem did not confirm the list then the originating modem responds to the subset or to the different list by confirming the subset or different list, by returning a subset of the different list, or by sending another different list.

Abstract: A feature negotiation protocol for synchronous operation and a dynamically adjustable retraining sequence. An originating modem, after completing conventional or standard handshaking sequences, sends a list of desired features to an answering modem. The answering modem either concurs with the desired features, if they are all supported, or sends, back to the originating modem, a list of those features which are supported by the answering modem. After the end of a negotiation time-out period, both modems begin operation using the features which are common to both modems or by using default (standard) features for operation. If the adjustable duration retraining sequence is selected then each modem will measure the elapsed time since the end of its last transmission and, at the beginning of its next transmission, send a retraining sequence which is dependent upon this elapsed time.