MDI on newer switches

[insomniacgames_nc]

Hi,

Are there any advantages to still using crossover cables between newer switches which support mdix auto?

Thanks,

Carlos

[Jerry Ye · Accepted solution]

Yes. If you want to hard code the duplex and speed, you will need to use crossover cable. Hence, hard code duplex and speed will turn off auto MDIX.

HTH,

jerry

[insomniacgames_nc]

is it best practices to hard code speed and duplex on

switch to switch ports to eliminate potential problems in auto-negotiation?

Thanks,

Carlos

[Jon Marshall · Accepted solution]

insomniacgames_nc wrote:
is it best practices to hard code speed and duplex on
switch to switch ports to eliminate potential problems in auto-negotiation?
Thanks,
Carlos

Not necessarily. Gigabit is often best left to auto-negotiate. 10/100 interconnects in the past i have tended to hardcode speed/duplex. But obviously if you are using mdix you can't anyway.

Jon

[insomniacgames_nc]

I personally do not use MDI and use crossover patches anyway since they will work on any switch. I also color code them so it's easier to find problems when a trunk goes down.

I was just curious if MDI is best to stay away from if given the choice.

Thanks

Carlos