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Ethernet technology is designed to transmit data over a channel using wired technology at different link speeds. It uses cables to transmit data in network models, such as local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN) for a reliable, secure, and better network connectivity. Ethernet connectivity is integrated into IoT devices and sensors, allowing them to transmit data to the network. It’s defined under IEEE 802.3 standards and provides a standardized interface for these devices to communicate with gateways. Qualcomm® Linux® provides Ethernet features, architecture, and tools that can help you develop Ethernet applications on the following reference kits:
  • Qualcomm DragonwingTM RB3 Gen 2 Development Kit
  • Qualcomm DragonwingTM IQ-9075 Evaluation Kit (EVK)
  • Qualcomm DragonwingTM IQ-9075 EVK with Mezzanine card
  • Qualcomm DragonwingTM IQ-8275 EVK
  • Qualcomm DragonwingTM IQ-8275 EVK with Mezzanine card
  • Qualcomm DragonwingTM IQ-615 EVK
Additionally, Qualcomm Linux offers capabilities to bring up the Ethernet functionality, configure its features, and enable logging to debug issues.
See Hardware SoCs that are supported on Qualcomm Linux.

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Ethernet interfaces

The following table lists the reference kits and their supported Ethernet interfaces.
Reference kitSoCEthernet interfaces
Dragonwing RB3 Gen 2 Development KitQCS6490
  • 1 x RJ45 connector
  • 1 x IX connector
  • 1 x IX connector (optional)
Dragonwing IQ-9075 EVKIQ-90751 x RJ45 connector
Dragonwing IQ-9075 EVK with Mezzanine cardIQ-9075
  • 1 x RJ45 connector
  • 1 x RJ45 connector for QPS615 + AQR PHY
  • 1 x RJ45 connector for QPS615 + QEP8121 PHY
Dragonwing IQ-8275 EVKIQ-82751 x RJ45 connector
Dragonwing IQ-8275 EVK with Mezzanine cardIQ-8275
  • 1 x RJ45 connector for QPS615 + AQR PHY
  • 1 x RJ45 connector for QPS615 + QEP8121 PHY
Dragonwing IQ-615 EVKIQ-6151 x RJ45 connector

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Ethernet features

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Energy efficient Ethernet

Energy efficient Ethernet (EEE) is an optional operational mode that helps in reducing the consumption of power while transmitting and receiving data. When there is no data to transmit or receive, this feature allows the MAC sublayer and a family of physical layers (PHY) to operate in the low-power idle (LPI) mode.During link negotiation, the link partners learn about the capabilities and features, such as EEE, supported by the remote entity. Based on the supported capabilities, features, and data transfer state, the MAC determines whether the system should enter or exit the LPI mode and communicates this information to the PHY.The EEE feature specifies the capabilities and negotiation methods that the link partners can use to:
  • Determine whether EEE is supported.
  • Select the set of parameters that are common to both the devices.
EEE feature is supported only on QEP8121 PHY.
For configuration details, see Configure EEE on QCS6490.

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Next steps