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Medium-dependent interface
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<p>A medium-dependent interface (MDI) describes the interface (both physical and electrical/optical) in a <a href="/facts/Computer_network/3w5RM99p">computer network</a> from a physical-layer implementation to the physical medium used to carry the transmission. <a href="/facts/Ethernet_over_twisted_pair/2jRlgJb4">Ethernet over twisted pair</a> also defines a medium-dependent interface – crossover (MDI-X) interface. Auto–MDI-X ports on newer network interfaces detect if the connection would require a crossover and automatically choose the MDI or MDI-X configuration to complement the other end of the link. </p>