What is Ethernet

Ethernet is the most commonly used technology in wired local area networks (LAN). A LAN is a network of computers and other electronic devices that covers a small area such as a room, office, or building. It contrasts with a wide area network (WAN), which spans a larger geographical area.

What is Ethernet?

Ethernet is a network protocol that controls how data is transmitted on a LAN. Technically, it's called the IEEE 802.3 protocol. The protocol has evolved and improved over time, transmitting data at speeds of gigabits per second.

Many people have been using Ethernet technology without knowing it. Any wired network in your office, bank, and home is most likely an Ethernet LAN. Most desktop and laptop computers have built-in integrated Ethernet cards so they can connect to an Ethernet LAN.

What do you need in an Ethernet LAN?

To set up a wired Ethernet LAN, you will need the following:

A computer and device to connect to. Ethernet can connect any computer or other electronic device to its network as long as the device has an Ethernet adapter or network card.

#The network interface card in the device. Network interface cards can be integrated into the computer's motherboard or installed separately in the device. You also have USB versions of Ethernet cards like external dongles. Ethernet cards are called network cards. It has ports to which cables can be connected. There are usually two ports, an RJ-45 jack for connecting unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable and the other for a coaxial jack.

A router, hub or gateway to connect your devices. A hub is a device that acts as a connection point between devices on a network. It consists of several RJ-45 ports into which you plug cables.

cable. UTP cables are commonly used for Ethernet LANs. This is the same type of cable used for landlines, except it has eight differently colored twisted pairs inside. The ends are crimped with an RJ-45 jack, which is a larger version of the RJ-11 jack that plugs into landline phones. When Ethernet spans a room to a greater distance, coaxial cable is used. This is the same cable used for the round mono jack used on TVs.

Software used to manage the network. The latest versions of modern operating systems like Windows, Linux, and MacOS are sufficient to manage Ethernet LANs. Third-party software that provides more features and better control.

How Ethernet Works

Ethernet requires technical knowledge of computer science to fully understand the mechanisms behind the Ethernet protocol.

Here's a simple explanation: When a machine on the network wants to send data to another machine, it detects the carrier wave, which is the main line connecting all devices. If it is idle, meaning no one is sending anything, it sends packets on the network and all other devices check the packets to see if they are the recipient. The recipient uses this packet. If there is already a packet on the highway, the device that wants to send will keep trying again for a few thousandths of a second until it can send.

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