/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.