What is Ethernet?

In order to communicate with one another, devices in a network need to be connected. This is
typically accomplished using Wi-Fi (wireless connection) or Ethernet (wires that are plugged
into a computer).  Ethernet was invented in 1973 by a team at Xerox Corporation's Palo Alto
Research Center (Xerox PARC) in California.

As network technology advanced, however, Ethernet's ability to evolve and deliver higher levels
of performance ensured its sustained popularity. Originally, Ethernet supported up to 10
megabits per second (Mbps). It then increased to 100 Mbps in the mid-1990s. The Institute of
Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) continues to deliver increased performance with
successive updates. Currently, Ethernet can support up to 400 gigabits per second (Gbps). 

Ethernet is the traditional technology for connecting devices in a wired local area network
(LAN), or wide area network. A form of I/O (input/output), it enables devices to communicate
with one another via a protocol, a set of rules or common network language. It describes how
network devices format and transmit data so that other devices on the same LAN or campus
network can recognize, receive, and process the information. Connected devices that use cables
to access a geographically localized network likely use Ethernet, which, in general, is reliable
and secure.

Compared to wireless LAN (WLAN) technology, Ethernet is typically less vulnerable to

disruptions, and it can also offer a greater degree of network security and control. This is because
devices must connect using physical cabling, making it difficult for outsiders to access network
data or hijack bandwidth for unsanctioned devices.

Types of Ethernet

The key types of Ethernet connectivity are as follows:

1. Coaxial Ethernet 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 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. Ethernet Connection 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, alternatively based on twisted pair or fiber optic cable, data transfer rate is one
gigabit per second (1 Gbit/s). It is expected to replace Fast Ethernet as the de facto standard 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.

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 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
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

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.

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.

Application areas

 Company offices
 School campuses and
 Hospitals

Challenges of Ethernet

Ethernet has many benefits, but it also has some challenges. Such as:-

1. It is intended for smaller, shorter distance networks

2. Limited mobility 
3. Use of longer cables can create crosstalk 
4. Does not work well with real-time interactive applications
5. Speeds decrease with increased traffic 
6. Receivers do not acknowledge the reception of data packets 
7. Troubleshooting is hard when trying to trace which specific cable or node is causing the
issue