Overview
Ethernet is the main medium for communication in olden days. Nowadays, we use more number of communications in computer devices. Ethernet is the communication platform in olden days. Networking and Communication both have some similarities. Networking is the relation between two objects. Communication means the understanding between the two objects. In the following paragraph we see what is ethernet?
Ethernet is one type of connection used for communication between two or more computers. Ethernet is the medium for networking between the computer devices. The name ether means medium and net means networking. Ethernet cables are the physical medium for communication.
History of Ethernet
In 1980, the Ethernet was introduced and standardized by IEEE on June 23, 1983, as IEEE 802.3. IEEE is called as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Ethernet was first developed at Xerox Park between the year 1973-1974. The name Ethernet came from ether-net, ether – medium and net – networking. Before IEEE, the first standard was published on September 30, 1980, as “The Ethernet, a Local Area Network, Data Link Layer and Physical Layer Specifications”.
Today ethernet is the dominator of networking. Many devices like mobile phones, desktop computers, laptops, workstations, and even many home appliances also connected with the Internet. All these gadgets use ethernet at any part of their network.
Types of ethernet cable standards
Due to the evolution of ethernet cables, there are different types of cables available in the market for different applications, they are classified as
- 10Base2
- 10BaseT
- 10BaseF
- 100BaseT
- 1000BaseT
These names are based on their physical characteristics. Here, 10 shows the transmission speed of the cable, BASE stands for Baseband Signalling and X stands for maximum segment length.
10Base2
These are coaxial cables with BNC connectors at their ends. During 1980, this cable is used in Local Area Network connection. Nowadays, Televisions use this type of cables for communication. In 10 BASE 2, 2 denotes the 200m length of the cable.
10BaseT
In 10BASE T, the number 10 denotes the speed of the transmission is 10 Mbit/s and the BASE denotes the baseband and the letter T denotes the cable type Twisted Pair cable. Inside the cable, twisted pairs of cables are present. Twisted pair cables use 8P8C connector.
10BaseF
Fibre Optic cables are faster than ordinary cables. It also larger in length, Base2 cables are smaller in length, therefore, the optical cables gives a better solution. These are longer than a mile. These are same as the 10BaseT cables but it transmits light pulses.
100BaseT
100baseT cables used for faster data transmission. The transmission speed is 100 Mbits/sec. Because of high speed, it is called as fast ethernet.
1000BaseT
These are the latest ethernet cables which transmit data upto 1 Gb/sec. The look is the same as the 10baseT cables but the transmission speed is higher.
Types of cables
These types are classified based on the materials used in the cables.
- Coaxial cable
- Twisted pair cable
- Fiber-optic cable
Coaxial cable
In olden days, these cables are widely used for LAN(Local Area Network) connections. A coaxial cable is the introduction to ethernet cables. Nowadays, twisted pair cables are widely used for LAN connection.
Twisted Pair cable
A twisted pair cable is widely used for today’s ethernet connectivity. There are two different types of twisted-pair cables shielded and unshielded. Shielded cables are used in high distortion places.
Fiber-Optic cable
Fibre-optic cables use optical fibres to transfer data. By using light, it transfers data at high speed. The length of these cables is longer than other types.
What is ethernet