Ethernet

Definition

Ethernet is a widely used technology for local area networks (LANs) that facilitates communication between devices through a system of protocols and standards. It provides a method for connecting computers and other devices in a network using wired connections, typically through twisted pair cables or fiber optics, allowing them to send and receive data packets efficiently. This technology forms the backbone of most modern network architectures, enabling high-speed data transfer and reliable connectivity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ethernet was developed in the 1970s by Robert Metcalfe and his colleagues at Xerox PARC as a way to connect computers in a local area network.
2. The original Ethernet standard operated at 10 megabits per second (Mbps), but modern Ethernet technologies can achieve speeds of up to 100 gigabits per second (Gbps) or more.
3. Ethernet uses a protocol known as Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) to manage data transmission and prevent packet collisions on the network.
4. Ethernet networks can be either wired or wireless, but the term 'Ethernet' typically refers to wired connections using coaxial, twisted pair, or fiber optic cables.
5. Ethernet has evolved through various standards defined by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), with IEEE 802.3 being the most recognized standard for Ethernet technology.

Review Questions

• How does Ethernet technology manage data transmission to prevent collisions within a network?
  • Ethernet uses a protocol called Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) to manage how devices transmit data. Before a device sends data, it listens to the network to check if another device is transmitting. If it detects that the channel is clear, it sends its data. If two devices transmit simultaneously, causing a collision, both devices stop transmitting, wait for a random period, and then attempt to send their data again. This helps maintain efficient communication and reduces data loss.
• Compare the speed capabilities of early Ethernet standards with modern Ethernet technologies and discuss their implications for network performance.
  • Early Ethernet standards operated at speeds of 10 megabits per second (Mbps), which was sufficient for basic networking needs at the time. However, as technology advanced and the demand for faster data transfer increased, newer standards emerged, allowing speeds of up to 100 gigabits per second (Gbps) or more. This significant increase in bandwidth enables modern networks to support high-definition video streaming, online gaming, cloud computing, and large file transfers, greatly improving overall network performance and user experience.
• Evaluate the impact of Ethernet's development on the evolution of networking technologies and its role in shaping today's internet architecture.
  • The development of Ethernet revolutionized networking by providing a standardized method for connecting multiple devices in local area networks. Its flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and scalability laid the groundwork for modern networking technologies. As Ethernet evolved through various standards, it became integral to internet architecture, forming the backbone of both small and large-scale networks worldwide. The widespread adoption of Ethernet has significantly influenced how data is transmitted over the internet today, contributing to faster connections and more reliable communication among users globally.

Related terms

LAN (Local Area Network): A network that connects computers and devices within a limited geographic area, such as a home, school, or office building.

Packet Switching: A method of data transmission where messages are broken into smaller packets that are sent over the network independently and reassembled at the destination.

Switch: A network device that connects multiple devices within a LAN and uses packet switching to forward data to the correct destination.