A network interface to be implemented with a first network device is configured to autonegotiate a network link with a second network device by advertising a first selector field. The first selector field indicates that the first network device is capable of a first speed. The network interface is further configured to listen for a second selector field advertised by the second network device and stall autonegotiation while listening for the second selector field. The network interface is further configured to, in response to the second selector field indicating that the second network device is capable of communicating over the network link using the first speed, determine a cable length between the first and second network devices. The network interface is further configured to, in response to the cable length being less than a first predetermined threshold, select the first speed for communication over the network link.