What is Ethernet?

Ethernet is a network that is a very efficient method of transmitting vast amounts of data. Ethernet is open' that is, any device can communicate over ethernet if it adheres to an OSI model that defines how ethernet operates. Multiple protocols can be used over the same network Modbus and Ethernet I/P can work simultaneously over an ethernet network. The defined ethernet packet is the key to ethernet's flexibility it is simply a method of transmission and is scalable speeds have increased as technology has improved. Ethernet can work over copper cables, fiber optics and can also use wireless technology. It is simply the best way to communicate in an industrial environment.  more

Ethernet is both the data link and physical layer. It operates at a high speed of 10 to 100 Mbps. It operates based on carrier sense multiple access with collision detection (CSMA/CD), and therefore is highly efficient until the system becomes heavily loaded. Therefore, Ethernet is an indeterminist system. Refer to Chapter 4 for details.  more

Ethernet (the name commonly used for IEEE 802.3 CSMA/CD) is the dominant cabling and low level data delivery technology used in local area networks (LANs). First developed in the 1970s, it was published as an open standard by DEC, Intel, and Xerox (or DIX), and later described as a formal standard by the IEEE. Following are some Ethernet features: • Ethernet transmits data at up to ten million bits per second (10Mbps). Fast Ethernet supports up to 100Mbps and Gigabit Ethernet supports up to 1000Mbps. Many buildings on the Indiana University campus are wired with Fast Ethernet and the campus backbone is Gigabit Ethernet. • Ethernet supports networks built with twisted-pair (10BaseT), thin and thick coaxial (10Base2 and 10Base5, respectively), and fiber-optic (10BaseF) cabling. Fast Ethernets can be built with twisted-pair (100BaseT) and fiber-optic (100BaseF) cabling. Currently, 10BaseT Ethernets are the most common. • Data is transmitted over the network in discrete packets (frames) ...  more

Ethernet is a standard communications protocol embedded in software and hardware devices, intended for building a local area network (LAN). Ethernet was designed by Bob Metcalfe in 1973, and through the efforts of Digital, Intel and Xerox (for which Metcalfe worked), "DIX" Ethernet became the standard model for LANs worldwide. A basic hard-wired LAN consists of the following components: • Two or more computers to be linked together, or networked. • A network interface card (NIC) in each computer. • Ethernet cable to connect to each computer. • A networking switch or networking hub to direct network traffic. • Networking software. A NIC is installed in each computer, and is assigned a unique address. An Ethernet cable runs from each NIC to the central switch or hub. The switch or hub will act as a relay (though they have significant differences in how they handle network traffic), receiving and directing packets of data across the LAN. Thus, Ethernet networking creates a ...  more

Ethernet was originally developed by XEROX Corporation. Due to the using of DEC, INTEL and XEROX together, Ethernet was configured in 1980 and adapted by IEEE as 802.3 standard afterwards. The basic feature of Ethernet is to adopt a kind of shared access plan called CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Detection), that is, multi workstations connect on a central line and all workstations send monitoring signals ceaselessly to the central line. However, only one workstation can transmit signals on the line at one time and the others must wait for starting their own transmission until that workstation finishes.  more

Ethernet is the IEEE 802.3 series standard, based on the CSMA/CD access method that provides two or more stations to share a common cabling system. This access method, Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection, is the basis for Ethernet systems which range from speeds of 1 Mb/s through 1000 Mb/s. The design goals for Ethernet were to create a simply defined topology that made efficient use of shared resources, was easy to reconfigure and maintain, provided compatibility across many manufacturers and systems, while keeping the cost low.  more

for information about ethernet cards. At least 2MB of ram and a hard disk are recommended.

This article is from the Ethernet FAQ, by James Messer James@NetworkUptime.com with numerous contributions by others.  more

Ethernet is the most common LAN (Local Area Network) technology in use today.  more

It is nothing but a name for the way a network transmits data. Your router probably came with an Ethernet cable and Ethernet ports. It looks liek a phone cord and jack, but larger.  more