This interface indicates that the driver implements hardware flow control using the RTS and CTS lines. When data is being transferred over high speed data lines, it is essential that flow control be used to prevent buffer overrun.

The PPP subsystem functions best with hardware flow control. If this is not available, then it can be configured to use software flow control. Since software flow control is implemented by the device independent part of the serial device infrastructure, it is available for all serial devices. However, this will have an effect on the performance and reliability of the PPP link.

This interface indicates that the driver implements a callback interface for indicating the status of various RS232 control lines. Of particular interest here is the ability to detect changes in the Carrier Detect (CD) line. Not all drivers that implement this interface can indicate CD status.

This functionality is only needed if it is important that the link be dropped immediately a telephone connection fails. Without it, a connection will only be dropped after it times out. This may be acceptable in many situations.