Ethernet is a family of wired computer networking technologies that are commonly used in local area networks (LAN), metropolitan area networks (MAN), and wide area networks (WAN) . It was commercially introduced in 1980 and first standardized in 1983 as IEEE 802.3. Ethernet enables devices to communicate with each other via a protocol, which is a set of rules or common network language. It describes how network devices format and transmit data so other devices on the same LAN or campus network can recognize, receive, and process the information. Ethernet is a wired system that uses physical cabling to connect devices in a network, and it is typically less vulnerable to disruptions than wireless LAN (WLAN) technology. Ethernet has evolved dramatically since its first application, and it is still widely used because sending data along cables is faster, more reliable, and more secure than sending it as radio waves, as Wi-Fi does. Some key features of Ethernet include:
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Ethernet Cable: This is the physical, encased wiring over which the data travels.
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Ethernet Switch: This acts as the director of the network and connects multiple computers or even networks together to enable communication between all the different devices.
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IEEE 802.3 Standard: This is the standard that Ethernet is based on, which defines when to transmit and what is to happen if a collision is detected, as well as endpoint addressing, transmission speeds, and media.
Ethernet has the ability to use both wired and fiber cables, delivering not only data but also power. It is commonly associated with connected devices in a wired LAN or WAN, and it is still a popular form of network connection.
