What is Ethernet?

Introduction to Ethernet

Ethernet is a common way and the most popular standard in connecting devices or computers using the wired connection. It works in LANs, MAN’s or WANs. It was developed by XEROX in the year 1973. To understand it completely we would be covering some crucial WHY and WHAT in this section which is intended to provide a walkthrough for our readers. It can be thought of as a network where multiple computing devices are connected to each other for the purpose of sharing data and resources. It can also be considered in a way when multiple computing devices share a similar server and also a similar internet protocol address.

Functionalities of Ethernet

Ethernet technology can be more flexible to use, but also requires extra care in configuring security. Some of the functionalities of ethernet are mentioned below.

1. Ethernet Standards

It has several standards most of which use the same interface. These include:

• 10BASE: T support up to 10Mbps
• 100BASE: T supports up to 100 Mbps
• 1000BASE: T supports up to 1,000 Mbps

2. Ethernet Connections

Every connection has some definite components viz.

• Ethernet Cable: These are the connecting medium responsible to establish a connection between two or multiple computing devices having a similar network. Each device in the setup must have its own Ethernet cable in order to establish successful communication.
• Ethernet Hub: It can be called as the main parking station where every Ethernet cable connects. It is a connecting medium for several Ethernet ports.
• Crossover Cable: These come into picture whenever a computing device tries to connect two or more devices simultaneously on the same Ethernet network.
• Router: These are used in the LAN setup but do not work in MAN or WAN setup.

3. Types of Ethernet Network

Below are the Types of Networks:

• Hub network: it is a simple device and acts as a repeater which is easy to configure. Whatever data comes to one port is forwarded to every other port making sure that each device will get data.
• Crossover network: these have a specific purpose and is used only when to invoice two devices (nothing more and less than two).
• Routers: there are placed at the gateways where two or more networks connect, this help to flow data between the networks and maintain the network connection

Why Use Ethernet?

Why Ethernet is again an important segment of the article, there must be definitely some specific reasons to support this argument. We have seen the importance of Ethernet in human society where we covered a different aspect of it.

• It has a wide segment of offering in terms of protocols. These are IEEE 802.3, under this, there are some more like – IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3a, IEEE 802.3i which has a combination of star and bus topology unto them.
• Another factor is its wide acceptance of its frame format (i.e. Preamble/Delimiter/Source address/ length/ padding and CRC).
• Also, a technology fades out only if there are some replacements or competitors available. It does not have one which again makes it the first choice of preferences.

Importance

Industrial revolutions around the world have been characterized by some key factors, as we have mentioned and will be driven by connectivity with enormous usage of data.

1. The world runs over Ethernet: Saying this statement will be no wrong seeing the growing demand of the internet. The entire user experiences for n number f issues are dependent on the Ethernet. There has been a rapid development in this technology in terms of sustainability, cost reduction, multiple layer compatibility, and adaption, etc.
2. The future concept of IoT depends upon Ethernet: There has been a buzz from the last 5-6 years regarding the game-changing technology i.e. IoT which claims to provide human beings with enhanced control over devices.
3. Its wide variety: there are a set of categorized protocols available, around 30 industrial protocols which are working to provide the best combination in terms of speed and costs.
4. Ethernet cables has a varying speed that easily precedes any Wi-Fi connections, for any work that requires high-speed Ethernet are preferred over Wi-Fi. The max speed of WiFi are 866.7Mb/s whereas an Ethernet connection with CAT6 cables can easily offer you a speed of 10GB/sec.
5. There is a very low rate of latency to happen for any Ethernet connections, this is again a crucial factor as it creates a delay in transmission of data from devices to routers.
6. It is always more reliable over any other internet connection (let us say Wi-Fi), with the proper setup there won’t be any connection loss issue, Wi-Fi’s, on the other hand, is susceptible to interferences.
7. Security concerns are always there and worry any individuals or business owners since Wi-Fi is wireless connections they always are under a threat of hacking. Even the most secured wireless connection is not 100% safe whereas an Ethernet works on wired connections which also provides an additional security feature into it. A hacker has to plug the cable in order to misuse it.
8. The energy-efficient factor is very crucial but these are not taken by users often: talking of CAT6 Ethernet cable, which consumes less energy than Wi-Fi connections.

Conclusion

Data has always been there in your devices in some or other way, we can also say that it has always lived in your devices. Talking of the above facts we can say that the world runs over Ethernet will not be wrong. The user segment is widely spread over the world. They know the benefits they can get with Ethernet. Also, there have been considerable changes in this growing technology in order to meet the growing demand for data management and connections.

Recommended Articles

This is a guide to What is Ethernet?. Here we discuss the basic concept, why to use it and its importance along with different types of Ethernet respectively. You can also go through our other suggested articles to learn more –

1. Wi-Fi vs Ethernet
2. What is VLAN Network?
3. Types of LAN
4. Broadband vs WiFi