what is the Difference between MAC mode and PHY mode

Devaprasad GR

I'm having an Ethernet switch . It's a 3-way switch but only has 2 integrated PHYs and for the 3rd port it has an RMII interface.

Datasheet says that the 3rd port can work in 'MII MAC mode' or 'MII PHY mode'. On power on the default is 'MII PHY mode

Which mode do I need to use to connect an external PHY?

over 8 years ago

0 LeonardEllis over 8 years ago

TI__Guru 71526 points

Devaprasad,

What datasheet? You did not specify a part number, you stated "datasheet says" but did not say what datasheet - please provide this information.

Thanks,

~Leonard

0 Rob Rodrigues over 8 years ago in reply to LeonardEllis

TI__Mastermind 19780 points

Hi Devaprasad,

Switches can have integrated Ethernet PHYs. When PHYs are integrated, they can usually be bypassed. As Leonard said, I'd have to see the datasheet, but I imagine MII MAC mode is where you'd want to operate with an external PHY.

Best Regards,

Interface

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what is the Difference between MAC mode and PHY mode