Data Sheet

Ethernet Controller I210 —System Manageability
756
• It is recommended that the MC first query the link status using the Get Link Status command. The
MC should then use this data as a basis and change only the needed parameters when issuing the
Set Link command.
For details, refer to the NC-SI specification.
10.6.9.1 Set Link While LAN PCIe Functionality is Disabled
In cases where the I210 is used solely for manageability and its LAN PCIe function is disabled, using the
NC-SI Set Link command while advertising multiple speeds and enabling auto-negotiation results in the
lowest possible speed chosen.
To enable link of higher a speed, the MC should not advertise speeds that are below the desired link
speed, as the lowest advertised link speed is chosen.
When the I210 is only used for manageability and the link speed advertisement is configured by the
MC, changes in the power state of the LAN device is not affected and the link speed is not re-negotiated
by the LAN device.
10.7 MCTP
10.7.1 MCTP Overview
The Management Component Transport Protocol (MCTP) defines a communication model intended to
facilitate communication between:
• Management controllers and other management controllers
• Management controllers and management devices
The communication model includes a message format, transport description, message exchange
patterns, and configuration and initialization messages.
The basic MCTP specification is described in DMTF’s DSP0236 document.
MCTP is designed so that it can potentially be used on many bus types. The protocol is intended to be
used for intercommunication between elements of platform management subsystems used in computer
systems, and is suitable for use in mobile, desktop, workstation, and server platforms.
Currently, specifications exists for MCTP over PCI Express (DMTF’s DSP0238) and over SMBus (DMTF’s
DSP0237). A specification for MCTP over USB is also planned.
Management controllers such as a baseboard management controller (MC) can use this protocol for
communication between one another, as well as for accessing management devices within the platform.
10.7.1.1 NC-SI over MCTP
MCTP is a transport layer protocol that do not include the functionality required to control the pass
through traffic required for MC connection to the network. This functionality is provided by
encapsulating NC-SI traffic as defined in DMTF’s DSP0222 document.
The details of NC_SI over MCTP protocol are defined in the NC-SI Over MCTP Specification.
Details of the NC-SI over MCTP can be found in Section 10.7.5.