On Wed, Feb 14, 2024 at 06:41:54PM +0100, Andrew Lunn wrote: > > Alternative A and B Overview > > ---------------------------- > > > > - **Alternative A:** Utilizes the data-carrying pairs for power transmission in > > 10/100BaseT networks. The power delivery's polarity in this alternative can > > vary based on the MDI (Medium Dependent Interface) or MDI-X (Medium Dependent > > Interface Crossover) configuration. > > > > - **Alternative B:** Delivers power over the spare pairs not used for data in > > 10/100BaseT networks. Unlike Alternative A, Alternative B's method separates > > power from data lines within the cable. Though it is less influenced by data > > transmission direction, Alternative B includes two configurations with > > different polarities, known as variant X and variant S, to accommodate > > different network requirements and device specifications. > > Thanks for this documentation. > > It might be worth pointing out that RJ-45 supports up to 4 > pairs. However, 10/100BaseT only makes use of two pairs for data > transfer from the four. 1000BaseT and above make use of all four pairs > for data transfer. If you don't know this, it is not so obvious what > 'data-carrying pairs' and 'spare pairs' mean. @Kory, can you please update it. > And what happens for 1000BaseT when all four pairs are in use? Hm.. good question. I didn't found the answer in the spec. By combining all puzzle parts I assume, different Alternative configurations are designed to handle conflict between "PSE Physical Layer classification" and PHY autoneg. Here is how multi-pulse Physical Layer classification is done: https://img.electronicdesign.com/files/base/ebm/electronicdesign/image/2020/07/Figure_5.5f2094553a61c.png this is the source: https://www.electronicdesign.com/technologies/power/whitepaper/21137799/silicon-labs-90-w-power-over-ethernet-explained To avoid classification conflict with autoneg. Assuming, PHY on PD side will be not powered until classification is completed. The only source of pulses is the PHY on PSE side (if it is not under control of software on PSE side or Midspan PSE is used), so aneg pulses should be send on negative PoE pair? This all is just speculation, I would need to ask some expert or do testing. If this assumption is correct, PHY framework will need to know exact layout of MDI-X setting and/or silent PHY until PSE classification is done. -- Pengutronix e.K. | | Steuerwalder Str. 21 | http://www.pengutronix.de/ | 31137 Hildesheim, Germany | Phone: +49-5121-206917-0 | Amtsgericht Hildesheim, HRA 2686 | Fax: +49-5121-206917-5555 |
