Ethernet

The term Ethernet refers to the family of local-area network (LAN) products covered by the IEEE 802.3 standard that defines what is commonly known as the CSMA/CD protocol. Four data rates are currently defined for operation over optical fiber and twisted-pair cables:

• ● 10 Mbps - 10Base-T Ethernet
• ● 100 Mbps - Fast Ethernet
• ● 1,000 Mbps - Gigabit Ethernet
• ● 10,000 Mbps - 10 Gigabit Ethernet

Ethernet is currently used for approximately 85 percent of the world's LAN-connected PCs and workstations. Ethernet is the major LAN technology because of the following characteristics:

• ● Is easy to understand, implement, manage, and maintain
• ● Allows low-cost network implementations
• ● Provides extensive topological flexibility for network installation
• ● Guarantees successful interconnection and operation of standards-compliant products, regardless of manufacturer