A LAN is a data communication network connecting various terminals or computers within a building or limited geographical area. The connection between the devices could be wired or wireless. Ethernet, Token rings, and Wireless LAN using IEEE 802.11 are examples of standard LAN technologies.In this article we will see ethernet in detail.
Ethernet
Ethernet is the most widely used LAN technology and is defined under IEEE standards 802.3. The reason behind its wide usability is that Ethernet is easy to understand, implement, and maintain, and allows low-cost network implementation. Also, Ethernet offers flexibility in terms of the topologies that are allowed. Ethernet generally uses a bus topology. Ethernet operates in two layers of the OSI model, the physical layer and the data link layer. For Ethernet, the protocol data unit is a frame since we mainly deal with DLLs. In order to handle collisions, the Access control mechanism used in Ethernet is CSMA/CD.
Although Ethernet has been largely replaced by wireless networks.A wired networking still uses Ethernet more frequently. Wi-Fi eliminates the need for cables by enabling users to connect their smartphones or laptops to a network wirelessly. The 802.11ac Wi-Fi standard offers faster maximum data transfer rates when compared to Gigabit Ethernet. However, wired connections are more secure and less susceptible to interference than wireless networks.
History of Ethernet
Robert Metcalfe’s invention of Ethernet in 1973 completely changed computer networking. With Ethernet Version 2’s support for 10 Mbps and an initial data rate of 2.94 Mbps, it first gained popularity in 1982. Ethernet’s adoption was accelerated by the IEEE 802.3 standardization in 1983. Local area networks (LANs) and the internet were able to expand quickly because of the rapid evolution and advancement of Ethernet, which over time reached speeds of 100 Mbps, 1 Gbps, 10 Gbps, and higher. It evolved into the standard technology for wired network connections, enabling dependable and quick data transmission for private residences, commercial buildings, and data centers all over the world.
There are different types of Ethernet networks that are used to connect devices and transfer data.
Let’s discuss them in simple terms:
- Fast Ethernet: This type of Ethernet network uses cables called twisted pair or CAT5. It can transfer data at a speed of around 100 Mbps (megabits per second). Fast Ethernet uses both fiber optic and twisted pair cables to enable communication. There are three categories of Fast Ethernet: 100BASE-TX, 100BASE-FX, and 100BASE-T4.
- Gigabit Ethernet: This is an upgrade from Fast Ethernet and is more common nowadays. It can transfer data at a speed of 1000 Mbps or 1 Gbps (gigabit per second). Gigabit Ethernet also uses fiber optic and twisted pair cables for communication. It often uses advanced cables like CAT5e, which can transfer data at a speed of 10 Gbps.
- 10-Gigabit Ethernet: This is an advanced and high-speed network that can transmit data at a speed of 10 gigabits per second. It uses special cables like CAT6a or CAT7 twisted-pair cables and fiber optic cables. With the help of fiber optic cables, this network can cover longer distances, up to around 10,000 meters.
- Switch Ethernet: This type of network involves using switches or hubs to improve network performance. Each workstation in this network has its own dedicated connection, which improves the speed and efficiency of data transfer. Switch Ethernet supports a wide range of speeds, from 10 Mbps to 10 Gbps, depending on the version of Ethernet being used.
In summary, Fast Ethernet is the basic version with a speed of 100 Mbps, Gigabit Ethernet is faster with a speed of 1 Gbps, 10-Gigabit Ethernet is even faster with a speed of 10 Gbps, and Switch Ethernet uses switches or hubs to enhance network performance.The Manchester Encoding Technique is used in Ethernet. Using Manchester encoding, data can be transmitted over a physical medium in communication systems. It is a type of line coding where the signal transitions, as opposed to the absolute voltage levels, serve as the data representation.
Each bit of information is split into two equal time periods, or “halves,” in Manchester encoding. If the signal level is higher during the first half of the bit period than it is during the second, the result is a logic high (typically 1), or vice versa.
Since we are talking about IEEE 802.3 standard Ethernet, therefore, 0 is expressed by a high-to-low transition, a 1 by the low-to-high transition. In both Manchester Encoding and Differential Manchester, the Encoding Baud rate is double of bit rate.
Key Features of Ethernet
- Speed: Ethernet is capable of transmitting data at high speeds, with current Ethernet standards supporting speeds of up to 100 Gbps.
- Flexibility: Ethernet is a flexible technology that can be used with a wide range of devices and operating systems. It can also be easily scaled to accommodate a growing number of users and devices.
- Reliability: Ethernet is a reliable technology that uses error-correction techniques to ensure that data is transmitted accurately and efficiently.
- Cost-effectiveness: Ethernet is a cost-effective technology that is widely available and easy to implement. It is also relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal ongoing support.
- Interoperability: Ethernet is an interoperable technology that allows devices from different manufacturers to communicate with each other seamlessly.
- Security: Ethernet includes built-in security features, including encryption and authentication, to protect data from unauthorized access.
- Manageability: Ethernet networks are easily managed, with various tools available to help network administrators monitor and control network traffic.
- Compatibility: Ethernet is compatible with a wide range of other networking technologies, making it easy to integrate with other systems and devices.
- Availability: Ethernet is a widely available technology that can be used in almost any setting, from homes and small offices to large data centers and enterprise-level networks.
- Simplicity: Ethernet is a simple technology that is easy to understand and use. It does not require specialized knowledge or expertise to set up and configure, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
- Standardization: Ethernet is a standardized technology, which means that all Ethernet devices and systems are designed to work together seamlessly. This makes it easier for network administrators to manage and troubleshoot Ethernet networks.
- Scalability: Ethernet is highly scalable, which means it can easily accommodate the addition of new devices, users, and applications without sacrificing performance or reliability.
- Broad compatibility: Ethernet is compatible with a wide range of protocols and technologies, including TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP, and others. This makes it a versatile technology that can be used in a variety of settings and applications.
- Ease of integration: Ethernet can be easily integrated with other networking technologies, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, to create a seamless and integrated network environment.
- Ease of troubleshooting: Ethernet networks are easy to troubleshoot and diagnose, thanks to a range of built-in diagnostic and monitoring tools. This makes it easier for network administrators to identify and resolve issues quickly and efficiently.
- Support for multimedia: Ethernet supports multimedia applications, such as video and audio streaming, making it ideal for use in settings where multimedia content is a key part of the user experience.Ethernet is a reliable, cost-effective, and widely used LAN technology that offers high-speed connectivity and easy manageability for local networks.
Advantages of Ethernet
Speed: When compared to a wireless connection, Ethernet provides significantly more speed. Because Ethernet is a one-to-one connection, this is the case. As a result, speeds of up to 10 Gigabits per second (Gbps) or even 100 Gigabits per second (Gbps) are possible.
Efficiency: An Ethernet cable, such as Cat6, consumes less electricity, even less than a wifi connection. As a result, these ethernet cables are thought to be the most energy-efficient.
Good data transfer quality: Because it is resistant to noise, the information transferred is of high quality.
Baud rate = 2* Bit rate
Disadvantages of Ethernet
Distance limitations: Ethernet has distance limitations, with the maximum cable length for a standard Ethernet network being 100 meters. This means that it may not be suitable for larger networks that require longer distances.
Bandwidth sharing: Ethernet networks share bandwidth among all connected devices, which can result in reduced network speeds as the number of devices increases.
Security vulnerabilities: Although Ethernet includes built-in security features, it is still vulnerable to security breaches, including unauthorized access and data interception.
Complexity: Ethernet networks can be complex to set up and maintain, requiring specialized knowledge and expertise.
Compatibility issues: While Ethernet is generally interoperable with other networking technologies, compatibility issues can arise when integrating with older or legacy systems.
Cable installation: Ethernet networks require the installation of physical cables, which can be time-consuming and expensive to install.
Physical limitations: Ethernet networks require physical connections between devices, which can limit mobility and flexibility in network design.
How Ethernet Works?
In the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, the Ethernet is located in the lower layers and facilitates the operation of the physical and data link layers. The OSI model consists of seven layers, which are as follows.
The topmost layer, known as the application layer, is what enables users to download and access data from email clients or web browsers. With the aid of the application, users enter their queries, and the request is then sent to the following layer, which is known as a “packet.” The packet contains data about the sender and the destination web address. The packet is transmitted from the application layer until it reaches the bottom layer, also known as the Ethernet frame.
Frequently Asked Questions on Ethernet – FAQ’s
What types of cables are used in Ethernet networks?
Ethernet networks commonly use copper cables, such as twisted pair cables and fiber optic cables. Twisted pair cables are more affordable and suitable for shorter distances, while fiber optic cables offer higher bandwidth and are used for longer distances or in environments with electromagnetic interference.
How do I connect an Ethernet Cable?
To connect an Ethernet cable, locate the Ethernet ports on both devices. Use a Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat6a cable with an RJ-45 connector. Remove any protective caps and check the cable for damage. Finally, insert one end of the cable into each device’s Ethernet port to establish a connection.
How does Ethernet differ from Wi-Fi?
Ethernet uses physical cables to establish a wired connection between devices, while Wi-Fi uses wireless signals for communication. Ethernet generally offers faster and more stable connections compared to Wi-Fi, but it requires physical cable connections to each device.
What is the maximum distance supported by Ethernet cables?
The maximum distance supported by Ethernet cables depends on the type of cable and the Ethernet standard being used. For twisted pair cables like CAT5e or CAT6, the maximum distance is typically 100 meters (328 feet). Fiber optic cables can support much longer distances, ranging from a few hundred meters to several kilometers, depending on the specific type of fiber and equipment used.
Similar Reads
CCNA Tutorial for Beginners
This CCNA Tutorial is well-suited for the beginner as well as professionals, and It will cover all the basic to advanced concepts of CCNA like Components of Computer Networking, Transport Layer, Network Layer, CCNA training, Cisco Networking, Network Design, Routing and Switching, etc. which are req
8 min read
Basics of Computer Networking
Components of Computer Networking
NIC Full Form - Network Interface Card
NIC stands for Network Interface Card. NIC is additionally called Ethernet or physical or network card. NIC is one of the major and imperative components of associating a gadget with the network. Each gadget that must be associated with a network must have a network interface card. Even the switches
4 min read
What is a Network Switch and How Does it Work?
The Switch is a network device that is used to segment the networks into different subnetworks called subnets or LAN segments. It is responsible for filtering and forwarding the packets between LAN segments based on MAC address. Switches have many ports, and when data arrives at any port, the desti
9 min read
What is Network Hub and How it Works?
Hub in networking plays a vital role in data transmission and broadcasting. A hub is a hardware device used at the physical layer to connect multiple devices in the network. Hubs are widely used to connect LANs. A hub has multiple ports. Unlike a switch, a hub cannot filter the data, i.e. it cannot
6 min read
Introduction of a Router
Network devices are physical devices that allow hardware on a computer network to communicate and interact with one another. For example Repeater, Hub, Bridge, Switch, Routers, Gateway, Router, and NIC, etc. What is a Router?A Router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer
12 min read
Types of Ethernet Cable
An ethernet cable allows the user to connect their devices such as computers, mobile phones, routers, etc, to a Local Area Network (LAN) that will allow a user to have internet access, and able to communicate with each other through a wired connection. It also carries broadband signals between devic
5 min read
Transport Layer
Transport Layer responsibilities
The transport Layer is the second layer in the TCP/IP model and the fourth layer in the OSI model. It is an end-to-end layer used to deliver messages to a host. It is termed an end-to-end layer because it provides a point-to-point connection rather than hop-to-hop, between the source host and destin
5 min read
Introduction of Ports in Computers
A port is basically a physical docking point which is basically used to connect the external devices to the computer, or we can say that A port act as an interface between the computer and the external devices, e.g., we can connect hard drives, printers to the computer with the help of ports. Featur
3 min read
What is TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)?
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) is a connection-oriented protocol for communications that helps in the exchange of messages between different devices over a network. It is one of the main protocols of the TCP/IP suite. In OSI model, it operates at the transport layer(Layer 4). It lies between th
5 min read
TCP 3-Way Handshake Process
The TCP 3-Way Handshake is a fundamental process that establishes a reliable connection between two devices over a TCP/IP network. It involves three steps: SYN (Synchronize), SYN-ACK (Synchronize-Acknowledge), and ACK (Acknowledge). During the handshake, the client and server exchange initial sequen
6 min read
User Datagram Protocol (UDP)
User Datagram Protocol (UDP) is a Transport Layer protocol. UDP is a part of the Internet Protocol suite, referred to as UDP/IP suite. Unlike TCP, it is an unreliable and connectionless protocol. So, there is no need to establish a connection before data transfer. The UDP helps to establish low-late
10 min read
Cisco Networking Devices
Network Devices (Hub, Repeater, Bridge, Switch, Router, Gateways and Brouter)
Network devices are physical devices that allow hardware on a computer network to communicate and interact with each other. Network devices like hubs, repeaters, bridges, switches, routers, gateways, and brouter help manage and direct data flow in a network. They ensure efficient communication betwe
9 min read
Collision Detection in CSMA/CD
CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access/ Collision Detection) is a media access control method that was widely used in Early Ethernet technology/LANs when there used to be shared Bus Topology and each node ( Computers) was connected by Coaxial Cables. Nowadays Ethernet is Full Duplex and Topology is
7 min read
Collision Domain and Broadcast Domain in Computer Network
Prerequisite - Network Devices, Transmission Modes The most common network devices used are routers and switches. But we still hear people talking about hubs, repeaters, and bridges. Do you ever wonder why these former devices are preferred over the latter ones? One reason could be: 'because they ar
5 min read
Difference between layer-2 and layer-3 switches
A switch is a device that sends a data packet to a local network. What is the advantage of a hub? A hub floods the network with the packet and only the destination system receives that packet while others just drop due to which the traffic increases a lot. To solve this problem switch came into the
5 min read