Network interface with autonegotiation and cable length measurement

A network interface configured to be implemented with a first network device, the network interface configured to:

• autonegotiate a network link with a second network device by advertising a first selector field, wherein the first selector field indicates that the first network device is capable of communicating over the network link at a first speed;
• listen for a second selector field advertised by the second network device;
• while listening for the second selector field advertised by the second network device, stall autonegotiation;
• in response to the second selector field advertised by the second network device indicating that the second network device is capable of communicating over the network link at the first speed, determine a cable length between the first network device and the second network device;
• and
• in response to the cable length being less than a first predetermined threshold, select the first speed for communication over the network link between the first network device and the second network device.