A technique for training links in a computing
system is disclosed. In one aspect, the technique includes configuring a first
receiver in a first port using a first training sequence or a second training sequence; transmitting the second training sequence from the first port indicating the first
receiver is configured; and receiving a second training sequence transmitted by a second port at the first port, the second training sequence transmitted by the second port indicating that a second
receiver in the second port is configured. In a second aspect, the technique includes locking a
communication link;
handshaking across the locked link to indicate readiness for
data transmission; transmitting information after
handshaking across the locked link. And, in a third aspect, the technique includes transmitting a first training sequence from a first port and a second port; and
synchronizing the
receipt of the first training sequence at the first and second ports; transmitting a second training sequence from the first and second ports upon the synchronized
receipt of the first training sequence at the first and second ports; and receiving the second training sequence transmitted by the first and second ports and the second and first ports, respectively, in synchrony.