diff --git a/drivers/net/e1000e/82571.c b/drivers/net/e1000e/82571.c
index 7236f1a53ba0..235856375ff3 100644
--- a/drivers/net/e1000e/82571.c
+++ b/drivers/net/e1000e/82571.c
@@ -1431,8 +1431,10 @@ static s32 e1000_check_for_serdes_link_82571(struct e1000_hw *hw)
 			 * auto-negotiation in the TXCW register and disable
 			 * forced link in the Device Control register in an
 			 * attempt to auto-negotiate with our link partner.
+			 * If the partner code word is null, stop forcing
+			 * and restart auto negotiation.
 			 */
-			if (rxcw & E1000_RXCW_C) {
+			if ((rxcw & E1000_RXCW_C) || !(rxcw & E1000_RXCW_CW))  {
 				/* Enable autoneg, and unforce link up */
 				ew32(TXCW, mac->txcw);
 				ew32(CTRL, (ctrl & ~E1000_CTRL_SLU));
diff --git a/drivers/net/e1000e/defines.h b/drivers/net/e1000e/defines.h
index d3f7a9c3f973..016ea383145a 100644
--- a/drivers/net/e1000e/defines.h
+++ b/drivers/net/e1000e/defines.h
@@ -516,6 +516,7 @@
 #define E1000_TXCW_ANE        0x80000000        /* Auto-neg enable */
 
 /* Receive Configuration Word */
+#define E1000_RXCW_CW         0x0000ffff        /* RxConfigWord mask */
 #define E1000_RXCW_IV         0x08000000        /* Receive config invalid */
 #define E1000_RXCW_C          0x20000000        /* Receive config */
 #define E1000_RXCW_SYNCH      0x40000000        /* Receive config synch */