A physical layer (PHY) module of a network device includes an auto-negotiation module that enables an auto-negotiation mode when the network device one of powers up and loses a link. The PHY includes a control module that communicates with the auto-negotiation module, and that generates a full duplex signal when a PHY of a link partner is in a full duplex mode and does not have the auto-negotiation mode enabled, wherein the PHY sets a duplex mode to the full duplex mode based on the full duplex signal.