PHY mode refers to the physical layer of communication in a network or device. It defines the physical characteristics of the data transmission, including the communication standard used and the capabilities of the hardware. Think of it as the actual "wires" and how the data travels over them. Depending on the context, PHY mode can mean different things:
PHY Mode in Networking (Wi-Fi)
In Wi-Fi, PHY mode specifies the 802.11 standard used (e.g., 802.11a, b, g, n, ac, ax). This determines factors like data rates, bandwidth, and backward compatibility. For example, a network operating in 802.11n PHY mode supports faster speeds than one operating in 802.11g. Network scanning tools often display PHY mode to indicate the wireless protocols available in an area. (Source: NetSpot App, Ubiquiti Community, Apple Community, How to Tell if Mac is Using 802.11ac, 802.11n or Other Wi-Fi)
- Example: A router might advertise support for 802.11n and 802.11ac PHY modes, allowing devices to connect using either standard depending on their capabilities.
PHY Mode in Digital Interfaces
In digital hardware, a PHY (Physical Layer) is a component that handles the physical aspects of data transmission, getting high-speed data on or off a chip. (Source: Reference provided stating that a PHY is "a digital interface block for getting high speed data on or off the chip.") Different PHY modes might correspond to various operating parameters or configurations within the PHY itself, optimizing for factors such as speed, power consumption, or signal integrity. (Source: TI E2E Forum, TI E2E Forum AM6548, ESP32 Forum, Nordic Q&A)
- Example: Configuring the PHY mode on an OSPI controller for optimal data rates with a specific flash memory device.
PHY Mode in Linux Ethernet Drivers
Within the context of Linux Ethernet drivers, "phy-mode" is a property that specifies the operating mode of the physical layer transceiver. (Source: The Good Penguin) This allows for configuration and control of the Ethernet PHY's operation through the driver.
- Example: Setting the
phy-modeto achieve specific performance characteristics like speed or power saving.
