Hardware

/ˈiːθərˌnɛt/

n. “The wired network that connects computers in a LAN.”

Ethernet is a family of networking technologies used to connect devices in local area networks (LANs), metropolitan area networks (MANs), and even wide area networks (WANs). It defines the physical and data link layers of the network, including how devices format data, detect collisions, and physically transmit signals over cables or fiber optics.

Key characteristics of Ethernet include:

   Physical Medium: Typically uses twisted-pair copper cables (Cat5e, Cat6) or fiber optics for high-speed connections.
   Data Frames: Data is transmitted in frames containing headers, payloads, and checksums (often using CRC for error detection).
   Speed Variants: Ranges from 10 Mbps (Ethernet) to 100 Mbps (Fast Ethernet), 1 Gbps (Gigabit Ethernet), 10 Gbps, and beyond.
   MAC Addressing: Uses unique Media Access Control (MAC) addresses to identify devices on the network.
   LAN Protocol: Ethernet is the dominant protocol for wired local networking and interoperates with IP-based networks.

Conceptually, Ethernet is like a well-organized highway system for data: devices send “cars” (data frames) along the wires, follow traffic rules (collision detection, addressing), and ensure the cars arrive at the right destination.

In essence, Ethernet is the backbone of wired networking, providing a reliable, standardized way for computers, servers, and other devices to communicate efficiently within a local network.

/ˌjuː-ɛs-ˈbiː/

n. “The universal plug for data and power.”

USB, short for Universal Serial Bus, is an industry standard that defines cables, connectors, and protocols for connecting computers and electronic devices. It enables the transfer of data and supply of electrical power between devices, making it one of the most ubiquitous interfaces in modern computing.

Key characteristics of USB include:

• Plug-and-Play: Devices are typically recognized automatically by the operating system without requiring manual configuration.
• Data Transfer: Supports communication between devices such as storage drives, cameras, printers, and smartphones.
• Power Delivery: Can charge or power connected devices, with newer standards (USB-C, USB PD) supporting higher voltages and currents.
• Standardized Connectors: Includes types such as USB-A, USB-B, USB-C, Micro-USB, and Mini-USB.

USB has evolved through multiple versions, including USB 1.x, 2.0, 3.x, and USB4, each offering higher transfer speeds and improved power delivery. The standard is widely used for peripheral connectivity, portable storage, and even display interfaces in some cases.

Here’s a simple example of interacting with a USB storage device on Linux using the command line:

# List USB devices
lsusb

# Mount a USB drive
sudo mount /dev/sdb1 /mnt/usb

# Copy a file to the USB drive
cp example.txt /mnt/usb/

In essence, USB is a universal interface that simplifies the connection, communication, and powering of countless electronic devices, making it a cornerstone of modern computing.