the dfe-550tx implements ieee 802.3x compliant flow control for full duplex, which provides traffic management functions for full-duplex operation. flow control allows for enhanced full duplex operation with switches. when operating at full duplex (requiring a direct connection to a switch) and the switch's data buffer is about to overflow, a pause frame will be transmitted to the dfe-550tx. the ensuing idle time keeps the buffer from overflowing and prevents data from being lost. this enhancement can improve network throughput, avoid collisions and prevent lost data, helping the network achieve optimal performance.