A network device automatically detects the best protocol a network will support. The network device includes a driver for transmitting data, a receiver for receiving data, and a port operationally coupled to the driver and receiver. The network device further includes negotiation logic coupled to the driver and receiver for selecting a protocol in coordination with other network devices. The network device further includes error detection logic and backs down to a lower transmission rate if errors are detected after the initial negotiation of the selected protocol.