What is Ethernet?
Ethernet is a traditional technology method used for connecting devices on a wired local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN). It allows devices to communicate with each other using a set of rules or protocol, a common network language.
Ethernet describes how network devices format and transmit data so that other devices on the same LAN or campus network can display, receive, and process the information. An Ethernet lan cable is a jacketed physical cable that carries data.
Connecting devices that use cables to access geographically localized networks rather than wireless connections may use Ethernet. A variety of end users, from businesses to gamers, rely on the benefits of Ethernet connectivity, including reliability and security.
Compared to wireless LAN (WLAN) technology, Ethernet is generally less susceptible to interference. It also provides a higher level of network security and control than wireless technology because it requires the use of physical cables to connect devices. This makes it difficult for outsiders to access your network data or hijack the bandwidth of unauthorized devices.
Why is Ethernet used?
Ethernet was used to connect devices on a network and is still a popular form of network connectivity. Local area networks used by certain organizations, such as corporate offices, school campuses, and hospitals, use Ethernet for its speed, security, and reliability.
Ethernet was initially popular because it was cheaper than competing technologies of the time, such as IBM’s Token Ring. Ethernet’s ability to evolve and provide higher levels of performance as network technology has advanced has ensured its continued popularity. In the process of evolution, Ethernet also retained backward compatibility.
Ethernet’s original 10 Mbit/s increased tenfold to 100 Mbit/s in the mid-1990s. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) continues to improve performance with continuous updates. Current versions that are available of Ethernet can support operations up to 400 gigabits per second (Gbps).
Let us look at some of Ethernet’s Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages of Ethernet
- relatively low cost;
- backward compatibility
- resistant to noise
- good data transmission quality
- high speed
- reliability
- Data security as a common firewall can be used.
Cons of Ethernet
- Intended for small networks with short distances.
- limited mobility
- Long cables can cause crosstalk
- It doesn’t work well for real-time or interactive applications
- Slows down as traffic increases.
Ethernet vs WiFi
Wi-Fi is the most common type of network connection. Unlike wired connection types such as Ethernet, there are no physical cables to connect. Instead, data is transmitted via wireless signals.
Ethernet cable type
The IEEE 802.3 working group adopted the first Ethernet standard in 1983. Since then, technology has continued to evolve, introducing new media, faster transmission speeds, and changing frame content.
Here are some of the changes:
802.3ac was introduced, allowing VLAN and priority tagging. 802.3af defines Power over Ethernet (PoE), which is essential for most Wi-Fi and Internet Protocol (IP) telephony deployments. 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n, 802.11ac, and 802.11ax define the Ethernet equivalent of wireless networks.
802.3u ushered in 100BASE-T (also known as Fast Ethernet) and delivered data transfer speeds of up to 100 Mbit/s. The term BASE-T indicates the use of twisted pair cable. Gigabit Ethernet provides speeds such as 1,000 Mbps – 1 Gigabit or 1 billion bits per second (bps) – 10 GbE, up to 10 Gbps. Over time, the normal speed of any connection tends to improve.
Network engineer uses his 100BASE-T for managing servers and storage and to provide backbone segment acceleration.
Ethernet cables connect network devices to their respective routers or modems. Different cables work at different standards and speeds. For example, Category 5 (Cat5) cable supports traditional Ethernet and 100BASE-T Ethernet. Category 5e (Cat5e) cables can handle GbE and Category 6 (Cat6) cables can handle 10GbE. Ethernet crossover cable has the ability to connect two devices of the same type. These cables can be used to connect two computers without going through a switch or router.