What is Ethernet? What is the Ethernet and how does it work? We all use the internet and associated technology which is part of the Ethernet. But what is ethernet and how does it work? IT networks are crucial for productivity in the modern world. Connecting a variety of IT devices together allows you to combine technologies for the maximum gain e.g. connecting a PC to storage devices and printers to facilitate data transmission. Such networks, of course, have been in place for decades and one of the simplest and most common examples uses ethernet technology. What is Ethernet? Ethernet is a form of technology used in both local area networks (LAN) and wide area networks (WAN) to connect IT devices together. These networks rely on ethernet cables to connect devices and transmit data between them. An ethernet network will be localised geographically due to the involvement of ethernet cables, so they are commonly found in schools, colleges and small businesses rather than connecting different organizations to one another. How Does Ethernet Work? Networks are powered by ethernet through several pieces of hardware. Firstly, ethernet cards are installed in PCs, and these are then connected to a network through the installation of an ethernet cable. These ethernet cables, which are available in a number of different categories, are used to transmit and carry data between the PC and the network. Completing an ethernet setup is the router; this device is used to manage and direct data across the network. The router ensures that the relevant PCs have access to not only the available data, but also the internet. Ethernet Cable Types www.nmcabling.co.uk

1. What is Ethernet?
What is the Ethernet and how does it work?
We all use the internet and associated technology which is part of the Ethernet. But what is ethernet
and how does it work?
IT networks are crucial for productivity in the modern world. Connecting a variety of IT devices
together allows you to combine technologies for the maximum gain e.g. connecting a PC to storage
devices and printers to facilitate data transmission. Such networks, of course, have been in place for
decades and one of the simplest and most common examples uses ethernet technology.
What is Ethernet?
Ethernet is a form of technology used in both local area networks (LAN) and wide area networks
(WAN) to connect IT devices together. These networks rely on ethernet cables to connect devices
and transmit data between them. An ethernet network will be localised geographically due to the
involvement of ethernet cables, so they are commonly found in schools, colleges and small
businesses rather than connecting different organizations to one another.
How Does Ethernet Work?
Networks are powered by ethernet through several pieces of hardware. Firstly, ethernet cards are
installed in PCs, and these are then connected to a network through the installation of an ethernet
cable. These ethernet cables, which are available in a number of different categories, are used to
transmit and carry data between the PC and the network. Completing an ethernet setup is the
router; this device is used to manage and direct data across the network. The router ensures that
the relevant PCs have access to not only the available data, but also the internet.
Ethernet Cable Types
The most common types of ethernet cables you will find in LAN and WAN infrastructures are:
 Cat 5: this type of ethernet cable uses four pairs of twisted copper wire to receive and
transmit data. Typically, these are seen in older LAN setups and are capable of handling
speeds of 100 Mbps at a 100 MHz bandwidth.
More about Cat5 Cabling
 Cat 5e: as the name suggests, cat 5e ethernet cables are similar to Cat 5 but the ‘e’ stands
for enhanced. As such, these cables can deliver speeds of 1000 Mbps over a distance of
100m on a bandwidth of 100 MHz.
 Read more about Cat5e Cabling
 Cat 6: arriving a few years after the introduction of cat 5e cables, cat 6 cables improve on
their predecessor in a number of ways. While cat 6 cables can handle speeds of 1000 Mbps
over a 100m, it is also capable of hitting speeds of 10 Gbps over smaller distances of around
50m. Cat 6 cables can also operate at a bandwidth of 250 Mhz.
 Read more about Cat6 cabling
 Cat 7 and beyond: the range of Ethernet cables extends all the way up to Cat 8 -
Click here to understand the difference between Cat5 Cat6 Cat7 Cat8 Cabling?

2. Is Ethernet Better than Wi-Fi?
Whilst Wi-Fi is certainly more convenient due to its lack of cables, it’s not a guaranteed marker of
superiority. Ethernet is much faster than Wi-Fi as it’s wired directly into the internet. There are no
wireless signals to contend with in ethernet and the amount of interference is significantly reduced.
This means that ethernet connections are more reliable and, accordingly, are perfect for
telecommunications, streaming and transferring files.
What is Wi-Fi Cable and How Does It Work? read more.
Ethernet Network Solutions
Ethernet connections may be a traditional form of networking, but this doesn’t mean their
performance is stuck in the past. For smaller IT infrastructures, ethernet offers the perfect network
solution in terms of speed and performance.
For more information on data centres and advice on which type is right for your business, don’t
hesitate to get in touch and speak to our expert team.
Data Cabling Installations
We offer comprehensive network cabling solutions for all applications -read more about structured
cabling technologies
If you have problems with your data cabling or telephone network or if you are considering moving
office or changing your office layout, please contact us for a free network survey and quotation