MDI port
(Medium Dependent Interface port) Also called an "uplink port," it is a port on a network hub or switch used to connect to other hubs or switches without requiring a crossover cable. The MDI port does not cross the transmit and receive lines, which is done by the regular MDI-X ports that connect to end stations (the X stands for "crossed"). The MDI port connects to the MDI-X port on the other device. There are typically one or two ports on a device that can be toggled between MDI (not crossed) and MDI-X (crossed).Automatic MDI/MDI-X
Gigabit Ethernet introduced automatic line sensing in the ports, which detects whether the crossover is needed or not. Referred to as "auto MDI/MDI-X," "universal cable recognition" and "auto sensing," it eliminates having separate MDI and MDI-X ports, selector switches and special crossover cables on the equipment. See crossover cable.
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| Crossing Over! |
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| The whole idea is to put the transmitted data onto the receive line of the receiving machine. Auto MDI/MDI-X equipment does the correct configuration automatically. |
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| MDI/MDI-X Port |
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| On hubs and switches that do not have auto MDI/MDI-X capability, one port typically provides the option of not crossing the lines. On this 10/100 switch, the MDI/MDI-X designations are represented with graphics that show the non-crossover and crossover configurations. |
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