What does Link Speed mean?

Understanding the Link Speed Field 

The Link Speed field in the Plasma Cloud Console provides critical information about the wired link speed between two ports. It can appear as either a single field (Link Speed) or two fields (Link Speed and Max Link Speed):

• Link Speed: Indicates the wired link speed on a specific port.
• Max Link Speed: The maximum achievable link speed based on port capabilities.

Usually, only the Link Speed field is shown. When the link speed is lower than the maximum achievable link speed, the Console displays both fields to help identify mismatches and potential bottlenecks.

The Max Link Speed field appears only when a port is operating below its maximum capability.

Troubleshooting Link Speed

Each port has a maximum link speed based on its technical specifications:

• Ethernet ports support 1 Gbps or 2.5 Gbps.
• SFP slots support 1 Gbps (SFP) or 10 Gbps (SFP+).

A mismatch between Link Speed and Max Link Speed can occur for various reasons.

Common Causes of Mismatched Link Speeds

1. Slowest Link in the Connection

The overall link speed is dictated by the slowest component in the connection.

Example: If a 1 Gbps port connects to a 2.5 Gbps port, the link speed will be capped at 1 Gbps.

2. Cable Issues

Cable or connector issues can restrict link speeds, regardless of port capabilities.

Example: Two ports with 1 Gbps capability might only achieve a link speed of 100 Mbps due to a faulty cable or damaged connector.

3. Power Save mode

Devices such as laptops may reduce link speeds when entering power save mode to conserve energy. This is typically a temporary state that may not require intervention.

A connection between a slower and faster port can be intentional or accidental. The Plasma Cloud Console highlights link speed mismatches, allowing administrators to take action when needed.