The Pangea IC includes an ethernet media access controller (MAC) that implements the Link layer. As a separate channel connected directly to the Pangea logic, it can operate at its full capacity without degrading the performance of other peripheral devices. The Pangea IC provides DB-DMA support for the Ethernet interface.
The controller is connected to a PHY interface IC that is capable of operating in either 10-BaseT or 100-BaseTX mode. The actual speed of the link is automatically negotiated by the PHY and the bridge or router to which it is connected. For more information, see "Ethernet Port".