An Ethernet port working in 1000BASE-Tx mode requires a continuous stream of data between both connected partners in order to stay synchronized. The nature of this requires the two ends to have a synchronized clock to transmit data. IEEE 802.3 introduced the concept of a master and a slave for this type of connection. The master provides the clocking for data transmission in both directions while the slave synchronizes to this clock. The roles of clocking master and slave are shared out in the automatic negotiation phase. This aspect can normally be ignored since automatic negotiation works very well in most cases. In some cases it may be necessary to influence master-slave negotiation.
Telnet path:/Setup/Interfaces/Ethernet-Ports/Clock-Role
Possible values:
- Slave-Preferred: This is the recommended default setting for non-switch devices. During the negotiation phase, the port will attempt to negotiate the slave role. It will accept the role of master if necessary.
- Master-Preferred: During the negotiation phase, the port will attempt to negotiate the master role. It will accept the role of slave if necessary.
- Slave: The port is forced to negotiate the slave role. A connection will not be established if both connection partners are forced to negotiate the slave role.
- Master: The port is forced to negotiate the master role. A connection will not be established if both connection partners are forced to negotiate the master role.