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.

1. ETHERNET
DR. UPAMA DAS
SHARAD INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING,
YADRAV

2. 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.
• It is used 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 it
mainly deals with DLLs. In order to handle collisions, the
Access control mechanism used in Ethernet is CSMA/CD.

3. 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 thanks to the rapid evolution
and advancement of Ethernet, which over time
reached speeds of 100 Mbps, 1 Gbps, 10 Gbps, and
higher.

4. 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 both 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.

5. • Ethernet also transmits data using two
components: packets and frames. The frame
contains the sent data payload as well as the
following:
i. Both the MAC and physical addresses of the
sender and recipient
ii. Error correction data for identifying
transmission faults
iii. 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.

6. Key components of an Ethernet
An Ethernet connection encompasses the following:
• The Ethernet protocol: This protocol was developed in the 1970s. It is
a series of standards that governs how data is sent between Ethernet
components.
• 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 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).
• 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.

7. Types of Ethernet

8. 1. Ethernet 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.
• Further classified into networks that use one of the following cable types:
• Tri-axial: Using an extra copper braid shield, offers additional bandwidth
and interference resistance. It is often used to link cameras and cable
televisions.
• RG-6: They include a thicker dielectric insulator improves signal quality and
are employed in wireless broadband, cable television, etc.
• Hardline: Utilized in Ethernet networks that demand a strong signal. They are
employed in telephone and internet connections.
•

9. 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.

10. 3. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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 popularity. It is anticipated to
supersede Fast Ethernet 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. Most interfaces are interoperable with 10
and 100 Mbit/s Ethernet and therefore are frequently
referred to as 10/100/1000 interfaces.

13. 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.

14. 7. Switch-based Ethernet
• This network configuration includes a hub or a switch.
• 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.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.
• The 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
access points.

18. 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.

19. Advantages of Ethernet
• Speed: Speed offered by Ethernet is much more than the wireless
connection. Due to Ethernet's one-to-one connectivity, this is
possible. As a result, a speed of 10 Gbps or occasionally 100
Gbps can be fluently achieved.
• Effectiveness: Ethernet cable like Cat6 consumes a lower
quantum of power which is indeed lower than a Wi-Fi
connection. So these types of ethernet lines are considered to be
the most power-effective.
• Good data transfer quality: The quality of the information
transferred does not degrade.
• Security: The Ethernet connection provides an advanced position
of Security when compared to a wireless connection.
• Fairly low cost: To form an Ethernet, we don't need a higher cost.
It's affordable.
• Reliability: Ethernet connections are one of the most dependable
connections because of their no or zero interruptions from the
radio frequency.

20. REFERENCES
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethernet
• https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/what-is-
ethernet/
• https://bluebirdnetwork.com/what-are-the-
types-of-ethernet-networks/
• https://www.scaler.com/topics/computer-
network/what-is-ethernet/
• https://www.spiceworks.com/tech/networkin
g/articles/what-is-ethernet/

21. THANK YOU