In a method for performing equalization of a communication system, a predetermined signal can be transmitted from a transmitter unit to a receiver unit in a downchannel direction on a transmission line, for example as a pair of differential signals which simultaneously transition in opposite directions on respective signal conductors of the transmission line. At the receiver unit, an eye opening of the signal received from the transmission line can be analyzed to determine equalization information. Equalization information can be transmitted from the receiver unit to the transmitter unit in an upchannel direction on the transmission line and be received at the transmitter unit. Using received equalization information, a transmission characteristic of the transmitter unit can be adjusted.