Re: [PATCH net-next v3 1/2] dt-bindings: net: ethernet-phy: Add timing-role role property for ethernet PHYs

[Oleksij Rempel]

On Tue, Sep 17, 2024 at 10:11:03AM +0100, Russell King (Oracle) wrote:
> On Fri, Sep 13, 2024 at 10:40:21AM +0200, Oleksij Rempel wrote:
> > This patch introduces a new `timing-role` property in the device tree
> > bindings for configuring the master/slave role of PHYs. This is
> > essential for scenarios where hardware strap pins are unavailable or
> > incorrectly configured.
> > 
> > The `timing-role` property supports the following values:
> > - `force-master`: Forces the PHY to operate as a master (clock source).
> > - `force-slave`: Forces the PHY to operate as a slave (clock receiver).
> > - `prefer-master`: Prefers the PHY to be master but allows negotiation.
> > - `prefer-slave`: Prefers the PHY to be slave but allows negotiation.
> > 
> > The terms "master" and "slave" are retained in this context to align
> > with the IEEE 802.3 standards, where they are used to describe the roles
> > of PHY devices in managing clock signals for data transmission. In
> > particular, the terms are used in specifications for 1000Base-T and
> > MultiGBASE-T PHYs, among others. Although there is an effort to adopt
> > more inclusive terminology, replacing these terms could create
> > discrepancies between the Linux kernel and the established standards,
> > documentation, and existing hardware interfaces.
> 
> Does this provide the boot-time default that userspace is subsequently
> allowed to change through ethtool, or does it provide a fixed
> configuration?

It provides the boot-time default.

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