What is Ethernet?
Ethernet is the traditional technology for connecting devices in a wired local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN). It enables devices to communicate with each other via a protocol, which is a set of rules or common network language.
Ethernet describes the formatting and transmission of data by network devices so that other hardware connected to the same LAN or campus network can recognise, receive, and process the data. Data is transmitted over physical, covered wiring known as an Ethernet cable.
Ethernet is most likely used by connected devices that connect via cables, as opposed to wireless connections, to access a geographically localised network. Diverse end users, ranging from businesses to gamers, depending on the advantages of Ethernet connectivity, including its dependability and security.
Ethernet typically has a lower interruption risk than wireless LAN (WLAN) technology. Because devices must connect via physical cabling, it can also provide a higher level of network security and control than wireless technology. As a result, it is more challenging for outsiders to access network data or take over bandwidth for unauthorised devices.
History of Ethernet
At the beginning of the 1970s, Ethernet was developed over several years from ALOHAnet from the University of Hawaii. Then a test was conducted, culminating in a scientific paper published by Metcalfe and David Boggs in 1976. Xerox Corporation applied for a patent on this technology toward the end of 1977.
Companies Xerox, Intel, and Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) created the Ethernet as a standard; first, these companies combined to improve Ethernet in 1979, then published the first standard in 1980. This method, later known as IEEE 802.3, was also used to develop other technologies, such as the CSMA/CD protocol. This procedure also produced the token ring and the 802.4 token bus (802.5).
In 1983, the IEEE technology became standard, and before 802.11, 802.3 was born. Due to the development of single-chip Ethernet controllers, Ethernet cards became widely used in modern computers and were often mounted on the motherboard. As a result, some small businesses started using Ethernet networks in the workplace, though they did so with the assistance of four-wire telephone lines.
The Ethernet connection was not established using twisted pair and fibre optic cables until the early 1990s. As a result, the 100 MB/s standard was created in 1995.
Why is Ethernet used?
Ethernet is still a widely used type of network connection and is used to connect devices in a network. Ethernet is used for local networks because of its high speed, security, and dependability in places where it is specifically needed, like company offices, campuses of educational institutions, and hospitals.
When compared to competing technologies at the time, like IBM’s token ring, Ethernet had a lower price point, which contributed to its initial rise in popularity. Ethernet’s capacity to adapt and provide higher levels of performance as network technology advanced ensured its enduring popularity. Backward compatibility was a feature that Ethernet maintained throughout its development.
Advantages of Ethernet
- Relatively low cost
- Speed
- Generally resistant to noise
- Reliability
- Data security, as common firewalls can be used.
- Good data transfer quality
- Backward compatibility
Disadvantages of Ethernet
- Intended for smaller, shorter distance networks
- Limited mobility
- Use of longer cables can create crosstalk
- Doesn’t work well with real-time or interactive applications
- Receivers don’t acknowledge the reception of data packets
- When attempting to identify which specific cable or node is the problem’s source, troubleshooting can be challenging
- Speeds decrease with increased traffic
How does Ethernet work?
Ethernet operates by dividing data being sent to or from devices, like a personal computer, into manageable chunks of data called frames. These frames include standardised data that aids in frame routing through a network, such as the source and destination addresses.
Additionally, Ethernet was designed around the CSMA/CD, or carrier-sense multiple access with collision detection, principle because computers on a LAN typically shared a single connection. In essence, the protocol checks to see if the line is free before sending any frames. That is significantly less significant today than it was in the early days of networking because most devices have a private connection to a network via a switch or node. Additionally, because Ethernet now uses full duplex operation, the sending and receiving channels are also entirely independent, preventing the possibility of collisions on that portion of their journey.
Ethernet standards
Ethernet comes in a variety of standards, each of which is described below with more details.
Ethernet II / DIX / 802.3
A studied edition of Ethernet, Ethernet II, also called as DIX. The DIX stands for Digital, Intel, and Xerox. And, 802.3, which is rewritten by Digital Equipment Corp, Xerox, and Intel.
Fast Ethernet / 100BASE-T / 802.3u
A twisted pair or CAT5 cable is typically capable of supporting the communications protocol known as Fast Ethernet (100BASE-T or 802.3u).
There are two types of 100BASE-T standards. The first standard to utilise CSMA/CD is 100BASE-T.
Three different kinds of cable technologies are available with 100BASE-T.
- 100BASE-T4: When a network needs a low-quality twisted-pair on a 100 Mbps Ethernet, it is used.
- 100BASE-TX: It uses two-wire data grade twisted pair wire, also known as 100BASE-TX and 100BASE-X, which was created by ANSI 100BASE-TX.
- 100BASE-FX: It uses 2 stands of fiber cable and developed by ANSI.
Gigabit Ethernet / 1000BASE-T / 802.3z / 802.ab
Gigabit Ethernet, also known as 1000BASE-T or 802.3z / 802.3ab, uses all four of the copper wires in category 5 to transmit data at speeds of up to 1 Gbps.
10 Gigabit Ethernet / 802.3ae
A new standard called 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GE, 10 GbE, or 10 GigE) only specifies full-duplex point-to-point links. It is also known as 802.3ae and supports transmissions up to 10Gb/s, which were published in 2002. In 10 GbE, there are no hubs, CSMA/CD, or half-duplex operations.
Ethernet vs. Wi-Fi
The most common kind of network connection is Wi-Fi. It does not need a physical cable to be connected, in contrast to wired connection types like Ethernet. Instead, wireless signals are used to transmit data.
Differences between Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections
Ethernet connection
- Transmits data over a cable
- More speed, reliability and security than Wi-Fi
- Data encryption is not required
- More complex installation process
- Consistent speed
- Limited mobility, as a physical cable is required
- Lower Latency
Wi-Fi connection
- Better mobility, as no cables are required
- Transmits data through wireless signals rather than over a cable
- Not as fast, reliable or secure as Ethernet
- Inconsistent speed — Wi-Fi is prone to signal interference
- Requires data encryption
- More convenient — users can connect to the internet from anywhere
- Simpler installation process
- Higher latency than Ethernet