What Is Ethernet? Definition, Types, and Uses – Spiceworks

Ethernet is defined as a networking technology that includes the protocol, port, cable, and computer chip needed to plug a desktop or laptop into a local area network (LAN) for speedy data transmission via coaxial or fiber optic cables. This article explains the meaning of Ethernet and how it works, along with its key uses. 

What Is Ethernet?

Ethernet is a networking technology that includes the protocol, port, cable, and computer chip needed to plug a desktop or laptop into a local area network (LAN) for speedy data transmission via coaxial or fiber optic cables. 

Ethernet is a communication technology developed in the 1970s by Xerox that links computers in a network via a wired connection. It connects local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN) systems (WAN). With LAN and WAN, several devices, such as printers and laptops, may be connected across buildings, residences, and even small communities.

It provides a straightforward user interface that facilitates the connection of several devices, including switches, routers, and PCs. With a router and just a few Ethernet connections, it is possible to construct a local area network (LAN) that enables users to communicate between all connected devices. This is because laptops have Ethernet connectors, into which cables are inserted, and the other end is linked to routers.

Most Ethernet devices are compatible with Ethernet connections and devices that run at slower speeds. However, the connection speed will be determined by the weakest components.

Wireless networks have superseded Ethernet in many locations, yet the latter continues to be more prevalent for wired networking. Wired networks are more reliable and less susceptible to interference than wireless networks. This is the primary reason why so many businesses and organizations continue to adopt Ethernet.

Ethernet celebrated 25 years of existence in 1998; by that time, it had undergone several revisions as technology advanced. Ethernet is continually redesigned as its capabilities expand and evolve. Today, it is among the most widely used network technologies worldwide.

How did Ethernet evolve?

Ethernet was created in the early 1970s at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) by a group that included David Boggs and Robert Metcalfe. In 1983, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) ratified it as a standard.

Metcalfe developed the idea of Ethernet in a document he wrote for Xerox PARC in 1973, marking the beginning of Ethernet’s development. Metcalfe built Ethernet based on the Aloha system, an earlier networking initiative that started in 1968 at the University of Hawaii. Metcalfe determined in 1973 that the technology had surpassed its initial appellation, Alto Aloha Network, and rebranded it as Ethernet.

Metcalfe and Boggs, together with their colleagues at Xerox, Charles Thacker, and Butler Lampson, would successfully trademark Ethernet technology four years later.

In 1980, Xerox collaborated with Digital Equipment Corporation and Intel to create the first 10 Mbps Ethernet standard. And in the meantime, the IEEE Local and Metropolitan Area Networks (LAN/MAN) Standards Committee set out to produce an equivalent open standard. The LAN/MAN committee established an Ethernet subcommittee with the designation 802.3. The IEEE adopted the first 802.3 standards for thick Ethernet in 1983 and was published formally in 1985.

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How does Ethernet work?

The Ethernet protocol employs a star topology or linear bus, which is the basis for the IEEE 802.3 standard. In the OSI network structure, this protocol works bot.h the physical layer and data link layer, the first two levels. Ethernet divides the data connection layer into two distinct layers: the logical link control tier and also the medium access control (MAC) tier.

The data connection layer in a network system is primarily concerned with transmitting data packets from one node to the other. Ethernet employs an access mechanism known as CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Detection) to enable each computer to listen to the connection before delivering data across the network.

Ethernet also transmits data using two components: packets and frames. The frame contains the sent data payload as well as the following:

• Both the MAC and physical addresses of the sender and recipient

• Error correction data for identifying transmission faults

• Information on Virtual LAN (VLAN) tagging, as well as the

  quality of service (QoS)

Each frame is encapsulated in packets that comprise many bytes of data to set up the connection and identify the frame’s commencement point.

See More: What Is IPv6 (Internet Protocol Version 6)? Definition, Features, and Uses

Key components of an Ethernet connection

An Ethernet connection encompasses the following: 

• The Ethernet protocol

  : This protocol was developed in the 1970s by Xerox. It is a series of standards that governs how data is sent between Ethernet components as explained before.

• The Ethernet port

  : Ethernet ports (commonly known as jacks or sockets) are openings on computer network infrastructure into which one may plug in Ethernet cables. It supports cables with RJ-45 connectors. The Ethernet connector on the majority of computers serves to connect the equipment to a wired connection. The Ethernet port of a computer is linked to an Ethernet network adapter, also known as an Ethernet card, mounted on the motherboard. A router may contain numerous Ethernet ports to support various wired network devices.

• Ethernet network adapter

  : An Ethernet adapter is a chip or card that fits into a slot on the motherboard and allows a computer to connect to a local area network (LAN). In the past, these were always used with desktop computers. Ethernet is now integrated into the chipsets of laptop and desktop motherboards.

• An Ethernet cable

  : Ethernet cable, often known as a network cable, links your computer to a modem, router, or

  network switch.

  The Ethernet cable consists of the RJ45 connection, the internal cabling, and a plastic jacket.

See More: What Is MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching)? Definition, Working, and Architecture

10 Types of Ethernet

The key types of Ethernet connectivity are as follows:

Types of Ethernet Connections

1. Ethernet connections that use coaxial cables

A coaxial cable transmits electrical signals at high frequencies with minimal loss. Ethernet types 10Base2 and 10Base5 are now used. A copper conductor is surrounded by a dielectric insulator often constructed of PVC or Teflon. The dielectric insulator is encircled by a braided conductive metallic shield that minimizes electromagnetic interference of the metal as well as outside interference. Lastly, the metallic shield is covered with a PVC, or other fire-resistant plastic wrapping called a sheath. 10 Mbps is its highest transmission speed.

This Ethernet type can be further classified into networks that use one of the following cable types:

• Tri-axial

  : Using an extra copper braid shield, this variant of Ethernet offers additional bandwidth and interference resistance. It is often used to link cameras and cable televisions.

• RG-6

  : This kind of coaxial cable can be used when signal quality needs improvement. They include a thicker dielectric insulator and are employed in wireless broadband, cable television, etc.

• Hardline

  : This cable variant is utilized in Ethernet networks that demand a strong signal. They are employed in telephone and internet connections.

2. Connections via fiber optic cables

These connections employ optical fibers with glass cores wrapped by several sheets of cladding material, often PVC or Teflon. Since it sends data as light signals, there are no interference difficulties with fiber optics.

Fiber optics can transfer signals over far greater distances than twist pairs and coaxial cables. It employs 10BaseF, 100BaseFX, 100BaseBX, 100BaseSX, 1000BaseFx, 1000BaseSX, and 1000BaseBx variations of Ethernet. Consequently, it can transmit information at a rapid speed. This Ethernet type may also be subdivided into networks using the following:

• Single-mode fiber (SMF)

  : It is utilized for long-distance communication and employs a single beam of light to deliver data.

• Multi-mode fiber (MMF)

  : It utilizes numerous light beams to convey data and is less expensive than other alternatives.

3. Ethernet connections via twisted pair cables

Twisted pair is a copper wire cable consisting of two insulated copper wires wrapped around to prevent interference and crosstalk. It employs 10BASE-T, 100BASE-T, and a few additional Ethernet variants of more recent origin. It utilizes RJ-45 plugs. This Ethernet type may be among the following variations:

• Ethernets that use shielded twisted pair (STP) cables

  : This foil shield offers protection against interference flowing into or out of the cable. Consequently, they are used across more considerable distances and at higher transmission rates.

• Ethernets that use unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cables

  : Unshielded twisted pair cable is now one of the most frequently deployed cables in computer networks. UTP comprises two twisted, insulated copper wires; twisting cables help limit interference.

4. Fast Ethernet

It is an Ethernet network capable of 100 Mbit/s data transmission. It may use twisted pairs or fiber optic cables. (The earlier 10 Mbit/s Ethernet is still deployed and utilized but lacks the bandwidth required for specific network video scenarios.)

Most network-connected devices, like laptops and network cameras, include a 100BASE-TX/10BASE-T Ethernet interface, often referred to as a 10/100 interface, that supports both 10 Mbit/s and Fast Ethernet. Cat-5 cable is the type of twisted pair cable which enables Fast Ethernet.

5. Gigabit Ethernet

Gigabit Ethernet, which might alternatively be based on twisted pair or fiber optic cable, provides a data transfer rate of one gigabit per second (1 Gbit/s) and is gaining in popularity. It is anticipated to supersede Fast Ethernet as the de facto norm in the near future.

Cat-5e is the kind of twisted pair cable which enables Gigabit Ethernet, in which all four types of twisted wires are used to accomplish high data speeds. Cat-5e cables or higher are suggested for networked video systems. Most interfaces are interoperable with 10 and 100 Mbit/s Ethernet and therefore are frequently referred to as 10/100/1000 interfaces.

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6. 10 Gigabit Ethernet

The newest iteration of Ethernet, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, offers a data throughput of 10 Gbit/s (10,000 Mbit/s) via an optic fiber or twisted pair connection. 10GBASE-LX4, 10GBASE-ER, or 10GBASE-SR built on an optical fiber connection could reach up to 10,000 meters in distance (6.2 miles). The twisted pair option requires a cable of exceptional quality (Cat-6a or Cat-7). Ethernet 10 Gbit/s is mainly utilized for backbone networks in high-end operations that demand significant data speeds.

7. Switch-based Ethernet

This network configuration includes a hub or a switch. In addition, a standard network cable is employed as opposed to a twisted pair cable. A network switch’s primary role is to transfer information/data from one device to another on the same network. Consequently, a network switch efficiently completes this operation since data is transported from one machine to another without harming other networking hardware within the same environment.

This form of Ethernet network has a star topology centered on a switch. A network switch employs a filtering and switching process comparable to gateways, where these methods have been around for an extended period.

8. Wired Ethernet, which uses cables

This is the most prevalent type of wired LAN or WAN communication. A modem is directly attached to an Ethernet cable, and the cable’s opposite end is linked to a machine (laptop or desktop). This cable needs to be at least Cat5 or above. Due to the direct connection, the speed is also much higher than wireless networks. In reality, this is an excellent Internet connection choice for individual users.

This is also feasible for several users, like in a small company network. One to fifteen devices may be connected to such a network across a range of up to 10 kilometers. While wired Ethernet is virtually extinct, it is still advantageous for smaller groups since it is considerably faster and more secure than wireless networks and can load and transmit large amounts of data, such as films and audio, and live stream them without interruption.

9. Wireless Ethernet – i.e., without cables

A wireless network relies on high-frequency radio signals and does not require cables to connect a receiving device, such as a laptop, to the network. In this method, often known as Wi-Fi, data is transferred using wireless signals instead of a cable. Consequently, it is more adaptable than wired networks, and the device will connect if it is within a certain range or on the router and modem’s periphery.

If a modem and a router are present, one must connect the modem to the router via a category 5 (Cat5) or category 6 (Cat6) Ethernet connection. The item that is virtually linked receives a signal from the routers. This network is simple to set up, although there may be wifi signal concerns.

10. SOHO Ethernet LAN

SOHO refers to a tiny office or home office. This is the simplest Ethernet LAN configuration. To construct this LAN, an Ethernet LAN Switch is utilized. Ethernet LAN Switches have several ports. An Ethernet cable links an endpoint or user device to one of these ports.

Today, Internet connectivity is an essential component of every network. To take advantage of this requirement, suppliers currently offer integrated networking connections that function as both routers and Ethernet switches. These devices typically contain four-eight LAN access points. Additionally, specific variants have wireless LAN entry (or access) points.

Key Uses of Ethernet

Ethernet is now a near-ubiquitous technology in today’s hyper-connected digital world. This is because it:

Uses of Ethernet

• Improves consumer internet experiences

  : When their wireless Wi-Fi data connection speed is insufficient, many in their homes deploy Ethernet connections. Ethernet is typically used to link several devices in a local area network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN).

• Offers high bandwidth connections

  : Ethernet offers data transfer rates of 10, 100, 1000, 10000, 40000, and 100000 megabits per second (Mbps). When Ethernet was originally created, bands were defined in megabits per second (Mbps), but they are currently calculated in gigabits per second (Gbps).

• Provides different options of speed, based on budget, region, and requirements

  : Standard Ethernet’s top speed is 10Mbps, whereas fast Ethernet’s is 100Mbps, Gigabit Ethernet’s is 1Gbps, while 10 Gigabit Ethernet is 10Gbps.

• Strikes a balance between cost and performance

  : Ethernet is widely used due to its affordable price and compatibility with any subsequent network device. Ethernet speed was approximately 10Mbps in 1983 and now exceeds 400Gbps. Ethernet is extensively used by companies, hospitals, schools, universities, and gamers due to its fast speed,

  network security

  , and dependability.

• Amplifies the capabilities of your Wi-Fi network

  : In recent years, Wi-Fi has become increasingly popular. Wi-Fi has improved speeds and offered extensive coverage due to technological improvements. Wi-Fi transmissions can only simultaneously support a limited number of devices. In older buildings with frequent Wi-Fi dead zones, Ethernet connections are essential.

• Enforces greater security

  : Ethernet has the advantage of being more secure than Wi-Fi. Anyone within a Wi-Fi hotspot’s range may access data transferred over the radio. Because radio signals deliver the information, it is vulnerable to theft. In contrast, data supplied by Ethernet can only be accessible on the local area network.

• Supports direct current (DC) power transmission

  : As its names suggest, Power over Ethernet (POE) is the provisioning of energy supply over Ethernet connections. It powers many devices, including CCTV cameras and wireless access points. One of the primary advantages of Power over Ethernet is that a distinct power source is unnecessary. This is especially useful for placing devices in locations that are far from the nearest power source.

See More: Wifi 5 vs. Wifi 6: Understanding the 10 Key Differences

Takeaway

Even in the era of high-speed wireless connectivity – particularly with the emergence of Wi-Fi 6 – Ethernet remains relevant. For many regions, it is still the best way to get Internet access, and most homes have an Ethernet connection linked to their router or hub. The market for Ethernet switches is constantly growing, despite being around for many years. For enterprises, Ethernet forms a crucial part of the networking infrastructure. By understanding how Ethernet works, you can optimize the power of wired internet connections 

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