A physical layer (PHY) device of a network device includes a first module, a first cable-length measuring (CLM) module, and a first control module. The first module determines whether a remote PHY that communicates with the PHY device over a cable is capable of measuring a length of the cable. The first CLM module measures a first length of the cable. The first control module causes the first length to be transmitted to the remote PHY, receives a second length of the cable measured by the remote PHY, and adjusts an operating parameter of the PHY based on at least one of the first and second lengths.