Ethernet

Definition

Ethernet is a widely used networking technology that enables devices to communicate over a local area network (LAN). It defines the protocols and standards for framing and transmitting data packets between computers and other devices, playing a crucial role in interconnecting systems and facilitating efficient data transfer.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ethernet was first developed in the 1970s by Xerox and has since evolved through various standards, including Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps) and Gigabit Ethernet (1 Gbps).
2. Ethernet uses a star topology in modern networks, where devices are connected to a central switch or hub, improving reliability and performance.
3. Data is transmitted in frames, which include source and destination MAC addresses, allowing devices to identify and communicate with each other effectively.
4. Ethernet operates primarily over twisted pair cables or fiber optics, providing flexibility in terms of speed and distance limitations.
5. Ethernet networks can support a variety of protocols and services, including IP, allowing for integration with different types of data traffic over the same physical infrastructure.

Review Questions

• How does Ethernet facilitate communication between devices on a local area network?
  • Ethernet facilitates communication between devices by defining standards for data packet framing and transmission over a local area network. Each device on the network is assigned a unique MAC address that allows them to send and receive messages accurately. The use of switches helps direct data traffic efficiently by ensuring that packets reach their intended destinations without unnecessary collisions, which enhances overall network performance.
• Evaluate the advantages of using a star topology in Ethernet networks compared to older bus topologies.
  • The star topology in Ethernet networks offers several advantages over the traditional bus topology. In a star topology, each device connects to a central switch, which isolates devices from each other. This configuration reduces the risk of collisions and improves fault tolerance; if one connection fails, it does not affect the entire network. Moreover, maintenance is simplified since issues can be isolated to individual connections without disrupting the whole system.
• Analyze how the evolution of Ethernet standards has impacted networking capabilities and efficiency in modern computing environments.
  • The evolution of Ethernet standards, from basic 10 Mbps connections to current Gigabit (1 Gbps) and beyond, has significantly enhanced networking capabilities in modern computing environments. Each advancement has allowed for greater data transfer speeds, which supports increasingly bandwidth-intensive applications such as streaming media and large-scale data transfers. The development of technologies like Power over Ethernet (PoE) also demonstrates how Ethernet can adapt to meet new demands by providing power to connected devices alongside data transmission, streamlining infrastructure requirements.

Related terms

MAC Address: A unique identifier assigned to network interfaces for communications on the physical network segment.

Switch: A networking device that connects multiple devices on a LAN, using MAC addresses to forward data only to the intended recipient.

Collision Domain: A network segment where data packets can collide with each other when being sent over a shared medium, affecting communication efficiency.