diff --git a/drivers/net/ethernet/intel/e1000e/82571.c b/drivers/net/ethernet/intel/e1000e/82571.c
index 0b3bade957fd8424f59f16ff6e5e27a7c0b6058e..2a4ded2fd6e570ea7c47941425dd2b4e8c81d24c 100644
--- a/drivers/net/ethernet/intel/e1000e/82571.c
+++ b/drivers/net/ethernet/intel/e1000e/82571.c
@@ -1601,10 +1601,8 @@ 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) || !(rxcw & E1000_RXCW_CW))  {
+			if (rxcw & E1000_RXCW_C) {
 				/* Enable autoneg, and unforce link up */
 				ew32(TXCW, mac->txcw);
 				ew32(CTRL, (ctrl & ~E1000_CTRL_SLU));