How to manually configure the Ethernet port speed

How to manually configure the Ethernet port speed

Overview

By default, the Ethernet ports on the gateway are set to "Auto-Negotiation" mode to automatically match the optimal speed and duplex mode of the connected device. However, in certain specific scenarios (e.g., when connecting to legacy network equipment or when performance optimization is required), it may be necessary to manually specify the port's speed and duplex mode. This document will guide you through the process of manually modifying the connection parameters of a specified Ethernet port via the Web management interface.

What You Will Need

Hardware/Software Prerequisites

  • 1x Robustel Gateway Device
  • 1x Computer with access to the gateway's Web management interface
  • Administrator account privileges (e.g., admin)

Step-by-Step Configuration Guide

Step 1: Log In and Access the Ethernet Configuration Interface

  1. Use a browser to log in to the gateway's Web management interface.
  2. In the left-hand navigation bar, sequentially click [Interface] -> [Ethernet]. The interface on the right will display two tabs: "Port" and "Status", with the "Port" tab selected by default.

Step 2: Select the Port to Configure

In the "Port Settings" overview table, locate the port you need to modify (for example, port eth1with index 2 as shown in the figure). Click the Edit (Pencil) icon on the far right of that port's row. The detailed "Port Settings" configuration panel below will load the current configuration for this port.

Step 3: Manually Set the Port Speed and Duplex Mode

In the "Port Settings" panel, locate the "Port Speed" dropdown menu. Upon expanding the menu, you will see the following available options:

  • Auto (Default mode)
  • 10M Half Duplex
  • 10M Full Duplex
  • 100M Half Duplex
  • 100M Full Duplex

According to your network requirements, select a specific speed and duplex mode other than "Auto" from the dropdown menu (for example, 100M Full Duplex).

Refer to the configuration path and options shown in the figure below:


Step 4: Submit the Configuration

After completing the configuration selection, click the blue 【Submit】 button in the lower right corner of the detailed configuration panel to save and apply the new port settings.

Verification and Testing

  1. Check Port Status: After submitting the configuration, the "Port Speed" column for the corresponding port in the port overview table at the top of the page should update to the value you manually set (e.g., changing from "Auto" to "100M Full Duplex").
  2. Check Link Connectivity: Use an Ethernet cable to connect a network device (such as a computer or switch) to the Ethernet port you just configured, and verify whether the network connection is established normally and can communicate.
  3. Verify Performance: If the reason for configuration is performance optimization, you can perform a network speed test to confirm whether the expected rate is achieved.

Troubleshooting/ FAQ

Q1: After manually setting the port speed, the network connection is interrupted or cannot be established. What should I do?

A1: This is usually caused by a mismatch between the port speed/duplex mode and the peer device. Solutions are as follows:

  • Check Peer Device Settings: Ensure that the port of the peer device (e.g., a switch) is also set to a matching speed and duplex mode. If the peer is set to "Auto-Negotiation", failure may occur due to inability to negotiate a consistent mode.
  • Revert to Auto-Negotiation: The simplest troubleshooting method is to set the "Port Speed" of this port back to "Auto", allowing both devices to automatically negotiate the best mode. This usually resolves most compatibility issues.

Q2: When is it necessary to manually set the port speed instead of using "Auto" mode?

A2: Manual settings might be more beneficial in the following situations:

  • Connecting to Legacy Equipment: Some older network devices might not perform auto-negotiation correctly; manually specifying parameters can force a stable connection.
  • Troubleshooting Network Issues: When connection problems are suspected to be caused by auto-negotiation errors, manually setting the same parameters is an effective diagnostic step.
  • Performance Optimization: When it is known that the peer device fixedly supports a better mode (e.g., Gigabit Full Duplex), manual locking can avoid negotiation down to a lower mode.

Revision History

Version

Date

Author

Description of Changes

1.0

2025-10-10

Tony Li

Initial document creation.