Apparatus, systems, and methods for resolving a forward error correction (FEC) protocol include requesting, by a network node element during an auto-negotiation period between the node element and a link partner, to resolve at least one FEC mode during a data mode period, wherein auto-negotiation period occurs before the data mode period. At least one channel quality parameter of at least one channel of a communication link between the network node element and the link partner are determined by the network node element during the data mode period. The network node determines, during the data mode period, whether to enable or disable at least one FEC mode for use by the network node element based on, at least in part, the at least one channel quality parameter.