Configuring Auto-MDIX
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Configuring Auto-MDIX

This module contains the following sections:

Prerequisites for Auto-MDIX

To configure Layer 2 parameters, if the interface is in Layer 3 mode, you must enter the switchport interface configuration command without any parameters to put the interface into Layer 2 mode. This shuts down the interface and then re-enables it, which might generate messages on the device to which the interface is connected. When you put an interface that is in Layer 3 mode into Layer 2 mode, the previous configuration information related to the affected interface might be lost, and the interface is returned to its default configuration.

Automatic medium-dependent interface crossover (auto-MDIX) is enabled by default. When you enable auto-MDIX, you must also set the interface speed and duplex to auto so that the feature operates correctly.

Auto-MDIX is supported on all 10/100/1000-Mb/s and on 10/100/1000BASE-TX small form-factor pluggable (SFP)-module interfaces. It is not supported on 1000BASE-SX or -LX SFP module interfaces.

Restrictions for Auto-MDIX

The switch might not support a pre-standard powered device—such as Cisco IP phones and access points that do not fully support IEEE 802.3af—if that powered device is connected to the switch through a crossover cable. This is regardless of whether auto-MIDX is enabled on the switch port.

Information about Configuring Auto-MDIX

Auto-MDIX on an Interface

When automatic medium-dependent interface crossover (auto-MDIX) is enabled on an interface, the interface automatically detects the required cable connection type (straight through or crossover) and configures the connection appropriately. When connecting switches without the auto-MDIX feature, you must use straight-through cables to connect to devices such as servers, workstations, or routers and crossover cables to connect to other switches or repeaters. With auto-MDIX enabled, you can use either type of cable to connect to other devices, and the interface automatically corrects for any incorrect cabling. For more information about cabling requirements, see the hardware installation guide.

This table shows the link states that result from auto-MDIX settings and correct and incorrect cabling.

Table 1 Link Conditions and Auto-MDIX Settings

Local Side Auto-MDIX

Remote Side Auto-MDIX

With Correct Cabling

With Incorrect Cabling

On

On

Link up

Link up

On

Off

Link up

Link up

Off

On

Link up

Link up

Off

Off

Link up

Link down

How to Configure Auto-MDIX

Configuring Auto-MDIX on an Interface

SUMMARY STEPS

    1.    configure terminal

    2.    interface interface-id

    3.    speed auto

    4.    duplex auto

    5.    mdix auto

    6.    end


DETAILED STEPS
     Command or ActionPurpose
    Step 1configure terminal


    Example: 
    Switch# configure terminal
     

    Enters global configuration mode

     
    Step 2 interface interface-id


    Example: 
    Switch(config)# interface gigabitethernet1/0/1
     

    Specifies the physical interface to be configured, and enter interface configuration mode.

     
    Step 3 speed auto


    Example: 
    Switch(config-if)# speed auto
     

    Configures the interface to autonegotiate speed with the connected device.

     
    Step 4 duplex auto


    Example: 
    Switch(config-if)# duplex auto
     

    Configures the interface to autonegotiate duplex mode with the connected device.

     
    Step 5mdix auto


    Example: 
    Switch(config-if)# mdix auto
     

    Enables auto-MDIX on the interface.

     
    Step 6end


    Example: 
    Switch(config-if)# end
     

    Returns to privileged EXEC mode.

     

    Monitoring Auto-MDIX

    Command

    Purpose

    show controllers ethernet-controllerinterface-id phy

    Verifies the operational state of the auto-MDIX feature on the interface.

    Example for Configuring Auto-MDIX

    This example shows how to enable auto-MDIX on a port:

    		Switch# configure terminal
		Switch(config)# interface gigabitethernet1/0/1
		Switch(config-if)# speed auto
		Switch(config-if)# duplex auto
		Switch(config-if)# mdix auto
		Switch(config-if)# end