Normal mode can be entered from either autonomous or managed operation. When in autonomous operation, the PHY will automatically try to establish a link with a valid Link Partner once POR is complete.

In managed operation, SMI access is required to allow the device to exit standby (100BASE-T1 Master mode only); commands issued through the SMI allow the device to exit standby and enables both the PCS and PMA blocks. All device features are operational in normal mode.

Autonomous operation can be enabled through SMI access by setting bit[6] in the register 0x18B.