Data Streaming Modes for Reception

The Triple Speed Ethernet MAC core supports 2 data streaming modes on the RX channel, depending on the configuration of the receive FIFO and AXI interface width:

In both modes, the Triple Speed Ethernet MAC core begins forwarding received data to the RX AXI4-Stream interface as soon as the frame starts arriving from the PHY interface.

The key difference lies in latency and buffering behavior. The Cut Through mode provides minimum latency, while FIFO mode introduces additional delay due to buffering and potential clock domain crossing.