Ethernet is a LAN (Local Area Network) technology that connects two or more computers by the physical connection for communication and data sharing within a limited area.
Initially, Ethernet was called the Alto Aloha network. It was made in 1973 by XEROX PARC company. Name of the members who invented it is Robert Metcalfe, David Buggs, Chuch Thacker, and Butler Lampson.
To understand Ethernet even further, you have to first understand what a network is "the joining of two or more computers together is called a network". Ethernet is also a type of network used in a limited area, such as in schools, buildings, offices, etc. Ethernet works on networking technology, without Ethernet cables we cannot connect a computer to other computers or other networking devices.
Many peoples associate Ethernet with the internet, but let me tell you that there is a massive difference between Ethernet and the Internet, which I will tell about in this article.
How Ethernet works properly?
We can easily control the route that Ethernet used to send data packets. The medium that Ethernet usually uses is the ethernet cables.
Ethernet first sends the data packet to the main cable, after which all the devices connect to check the packet's address, with which it matches, it keeps data packets. Thus, data is transferred from one computer to another in the form of data packets.
What are the types of Ethernet?
1. Ethernet
I have already told you what the Ethernet is, now we will discuss some extra information about Ethernet.
- It is a low-cost technology that giving the best performance.
- We can easily install on our houses and offices.
- Standard ethernet transfer data with a speed of up to 10mbps.
2. Fast Ethernet
It is known from the term itself that it is faster than the first one.
- It can transfer data at a speed of up to 100mbps.
- Twisted pairs or optical fiber cables can use it.
- It is suitable for small businesses.
- It requires CAT-5 cable for transferring data.
3. Gigabit Ethernet
It is an upgraded form of fast Ethernet. It is ten times faster than fast Ethernet and 100 times faster than standard ethernet.
- Its transferring rate of data 1000mbps or 1gbps.
- It requires CAT-5E and CAT 6A cables to transfer data.
- It is used in professional works such as video craters, 4k video streamers, video game streamers, etc.
4. 10 Gigabit Ethernet
It is an extra advanced network technology that is ten times faster than gigabit ethernet.
- Transferring rate of data 10gbps.
- It supports fiber optic cables or twisted pair cables such as CAT 6A and CAT 7.
- This network extends up to 10000metres.
Advantages and disadvantages of Ethernet
Advantages of Ethernet
- It is low in cost or inexpensive compared to other networks.
- Its maintenance is effortless.
- It provides the fastest speed for data sharing.
- Not requires any switches.
Disadvantages of Ethernet
- Face difficulty in troubleshooting when there is any problem in Ethernet.
- It Provides data sharing in a limited area.
- Its efficiency goes on the decrease with an increase in traffic on Ethernet.
- The receiver cannot send data after receiving the data packets.
Difference Between Ethernet vs Internet
Ethernet Specifications.
- It is a local area network (LAN).
- It is serving under a small geographical area.
- It provides a high level of security.
- You can send your data to a limited area.
Internet Specifications.
- It is a wide area network.
- It is serving worldwide.
- It has given a low level of security compared to Ethernet.
- You can send your data to any location.
Essential components for ethernet networking?
1. Ethernet Cable
With the help of ethernet cables, two or more computers can be connected. E.g., Cat 5e, Cat 6a, Cat7 etc.
2. Ethernet Hub
It is a networking device that connects all computers in a network. There are many ports in the hub in which cables are connected.
3. Crossover Table
It is an alternative to the ethernet cable. It is used to connect two devices of the same type.
4. Ethernet Router
It is also a networking device. Its need is to transfer data from one computer to another computer on the network.
So far, you have known what Ethernet is, its history, how many types are there, now you will know how Ethernet works.
Types of Ethernet Cables
Ethernet users should be aware of which LAN cable has what frequency and how much speed. And here, I’m also going to tell which line has how much frequency and speed rate. We have six types of ethernet cables available today, such as CAT 5, CAT 5E, CAT 6, CAT 6A, CAT 7, and CAT 8. CAT 3 was only used earlier but not now. The word CAT that is coming here, again and again, means category.
Now we will discuss six types of LAN cables.
1. CAT 5
This cable is no longer used as much. But internet service providers still used them, as if it is installed on top of a building, then a line has to be brought from it to run the internet. And it’s the same cable.
- It contains two twisted pairs of cables.
- Internet speed maximum up to 100Mbps.
- It can be extended up to 100metres.
- In this, we get a frequency of 100mHz.
- It is inexpensive.
2. CAT 5E
It is better than the previous one. And its uses are also good because it is more twisted than CAT 5. The more twisted cable, the better the Speed will be.
- It contains four twisted pairs of cables.
- Internet speed maximum up to 1000Mbps or 1Gbps.
- It can also extend up to 100metres.
- We get a frequency of 100mHz.
3. CAT 6
It's a bit expensive because it's prevalent and its Speed is also excellent inside it. And it is more twisted than the previous one.
- It also contains four twisted pairs of cables.
- Internet speed maximum up to 10Gbps.
- Frequency approx 250mHz.
- Extend up to 55metres.
- Something like white is seen between the cable, which reduces interference.
4. CAT 6A
It is pretty expensive than CAT 6 because it contains shielded twisted cables.
- It is also four twisted pairs of cables.
- Internet speed maximum up to 10Gbps.
- Extend up to 100metres.
- It present in both UTP(unshielded twisted pair) and STP(shielded twisted pair).
Note: shield means a layer is present on the cable, which helps in data interference. In this, We get a frequency of 500mHz.
5. CAT 7
It is used only when there is more interference in the data transfer.
- It is four twisted pairs of cables.
- You can extend it up to 100metres.
- Internet speed up to 10Gbps.
- In this, we get more frequency that is 600mHz.
- It is very costly.
6. CAT 8
This is the latest only to transfer maximum data.
- It contains four twisted pairs of cables.
- Internet speed up to 40Gbps.
- You can extend it only up to 30metres.
Now you must have known everything about LAN cables, now let's talk a little about switches to which these cables are connected.
In regular switches, only up to 100Mbps data can be transferred, so CAT 5, CAT 5E, CAT 6, CAT 6A, and CAT 7 is supported in them.
This is the end so, guys, in this article, you have learned many things such as what Ethernet is, types of Ethernet, how it works, etc. now, you probably have known everything about Ethernet. If you like this article, don’t forget to share it, and if you have any queries, you can ask in the comment section below and also you can share your experiences and thoughts, we will definitely appreciate it.