[RFC] net: phy: mxl-86110: Manage broadcast configuration

[RFC] net: phy: mxl-86110: Manage broadcast configuration

[Stefano Radaelli]

Hi all,

I am working with the MaxLinear MxL86110 PHY and I noticed that the
current driver only disables broadcast access inside mxl86110_broadcast_cfg().

However, according to the datasheet (Register A005h –
RGMII In-Band Status and MDIO Configuration Register), the PHY actually
supports multiple broadcast configuration modes:

- EPA0 (bit 6): enable/disable responding to broadcasts sent to PHY
  address 0.
- EBA (bit 5): enable/disable responding to broadcasts sent to an
  alternate broadcast address defined in BA.
- BA (bits 4:0): configurable broadcast address (0–31).

Given this, I would like to expose these capabilities to users.

Before implementing anything, I would like to ask for guidance on the
preferred way to expose these PHY settings to users. Specifically, I’m
uncertain whether such configuration should be handled through device
tree properties, PHY tunables, or any other mechanism considered more
appropriate within phylib.

Is there a recommended or established approach for enabling
user-configurable broadcast behaviour in PHY drivers?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Once the preferred direction
is clear, I will prepare and submit a proper patch.

Thanks,
Stefano Radaelli

Re: [RFC] net: phy: mxl-86110: Manage broadcast configuration

[Andrew Lunn]

> Is there a recommended or established approach for enabling
> user-configurable broadcast behaviour in PHY drivers?

Hard code disable it.

Unless you have a real need for it, a board which requires it. Then
place explain your use case.

	Andrew