Oracle Linux: How to Check the Interface Pause Parameters Using "ethtool"

Applies To

Linux OS - Version Oracle Linux 7.0 and later

Summary

This post is intended to guide on how to review the pause parameters.

Solution

Pause parameters are the settings of network interfaces with respect to use of pause frames. Pause frames are ethernet frames used to request or grant a temporary pause in data transmission. When an interface sends a pause frame to another interface, it signals the recipient to pause the transmission of data for a certain period, this helps in preventing data congestion and improving network performance.

Pause parameters helps in understanding whether pause frames are enabled, automatically negotiated and how they function on a network interface. Understanding of pause parameters assists and enables the administrators to manage network performance, troubleshoot issue and potentially prevent network bottleneck/congestion.