US Patent 11153168 Link validation system

A link validation system includes a first device and a second device. The first device identifies that a first link to the second device has become available via a first port on the first device, and determines that the first link to the second device is not a valid link. In response to determining that the first link to the second device is not a valid link, the first device configures the first port in an auto-negotiation error state. Subsequent to configuring the first port in the auto-negotiation error state, the first device detects a port connection cycling operation associated with the first port and, in response, clears the auto-negotiation error state for the first port.