What is the primary function of Auto-negotiation in Ethernet?

Auto-negotiation is a protocol used in Ethernet networks that enables devices to automatically select the best parameters for their connection. This includes determining the optimal speed (such as 10/100/1000 Mbps) and duplex mode (half or full duplex) that both devices can support. The primary function of auto-negotiation is to simplify the process of linking network devices, thereby enhancing compatibility and performance without requiring manual configuration.

When two devices connected via Ethernet use auto-negotiation, they communicate their capabilities to each other and agree on the highest performance settings they both support. This maximizes their connection efficiency and reduces the chances of network issues that can arise from mismatched settings.

In contrast, manually setting connection speeds can lead to errors and inefficiencies if the speeds between devices do not match, while standardizing Ethernet connections is more about compliance with network protocols rather than negotiating individual device settings. Monitoring network usage does not relate to establishing connection parameters but rather focuses on observing traffic flow and performance metrics.