DYNAMIC PORT TYPE DETECTION

A default mode of operation for a link is set at a server upon initialization. A wait pulse repetition time and number of supported modes of operation are set at the server. A protocol identifier is set to the default mode. A link initialization frame including the protocol identifier is transmitted to a port of a switch. Based on failing to receive a handshake response to acknowledge successful decoding of the protocol identifier from the switch prior to expiration of the wait pulse repetition time: the protocol identifier is changed to a next mode of operation, the wait pulse repetition time is reset, and the link initialization frame is transmitted to the port of the switch. Changing the protocol identifier, resetting the wait pulse repetition time, and transmitting the link initialization frame are repeated until the handshake response is received or all supported modes of operation are checked.