A system and method are provided for zeroing pre and post-tap settings in a link partner using a plurality of voltage gain taps. The method provides a link partner (LP) transmitter. A network-connected local device (LD) selects an LP pre-tap or post-tap. The LD also chooses a zero gain setting for the selected LP tap. In a first iteration, the LD directs the LP to decrease the difference between the selected tap gain setting and the zero setting by 1 step. If a limit signal is not received by the LD, the LP is directed to maximally increase the center tap gain setting until a limit signal is received. The iterations are continued until a limit signal is returned in response to the LD directing the LP to decrease the difference between the selected tap gain setting and the zero setting.