Ethernet is a technology used for Local Area Networks (LANs), enabling devices to communicate with each other through serial data exchange. This technology was first introduced in 1973 by researchers at Xerox PARC and has since undergone many developmental changes and enhancements. Ethernet is now a standard for connectivity in enterprise networks, data centers, and households alike.
Basic Principles and Operation of Ethernet
Ethernet Frame is the basic unit of data in an Ethernet network. It consists of several parts: preamble, sender and receiver addresses, data type, the actual data, and a checksum for error detection. The size of frames typically ranges between 64 and 1518 bytes.
CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection) is a method used in Ethernet networks for controlling access to the medium. This method allows devices to "listen" to the medium before transmitting data into it. If two devices start transmitting simultaneously, a collision occurs, which CSMA/CD detects, and both devices then need to retransmit the data.
Types of Ethernet Cables and Hardware
Cables: Ethernet can use various types of cables, including coaxial, twisted-pair (UTP, STP), and optical fibers. The most commonly used are UTP cables of category 5e or 6, supporting speeds from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps.
Managed and Unmanaged Switches: Switches are devices that forward Ethernet frames between devices in the same network based on MAC addresses. Managed switches offer advanced features such as VLANs, QoS, and others.
Development and Standardization
Ethernet continues to evolve and be standardized by the IEEE 802.3 organization. Among the latest standards are 10 Gbps, 40 Gbps, and even 100 Gbps connections, which are particularly crucial for use in data centers and high-performance computing environments.
Applications of Ethernet in Practice
Ethernet finds applications in many areas, from office environments to industrial applications to home use. Due to its universality and widespread support, it is often used as the foundation for building IoT (Internet of Things) networks, connecting various devices from smart thermostats to security cameras.
Ethernet remains a key building block in the architecture of modern networks due to its reliability, scalability, and continuous evolution. Its flexibility and compatibility with various types of hardware and software make it the first choice for building robust and high-performance networks.
