When auto negotiation begins, the various link control signals are activated, depending on the disposition of the corresponding Ability inputs for those links. Subsequently, the corresponding link status signals are monitored by the ANIPC hardware for an indication of the state of the various links that are connected. If particular links are unused, the corresponding link control outputs are unconnected, and the corresponding link-status inputs should be tied Low. During this time, AN sets up a communication link with the link partner and uses this link to negotiate the capabilities of the connection.