Networking and Ethernet Standards

Introduction to Ethernet

• Ethernet is the most popular networking standard globally.
• Used for connecting devices to a wired network.
• Various types of Ethernet differ in:
  • Speed
  • Cabling type
  • Connectors
  • Required equipment

Ethernet Standards and Organizations

• Modern Ethernet networks support different standards for:
  • Twisted pair copper cabling
  • Fiber optic connectivity
• Standards are set by the IEEE 802.3 committee.
  • IEEE: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
  • Responsible for designing and documenting connectivity standards.

Examples of Ethernet Standards

• 1000BASE-T:
  • Gigabit Ethernet network
  • Operates over twisted pair copper cabling
  • Speed: 1 gigabit per second
• 10GBASE-T:
  • Newer version
  • Also uses twisted pair copper cabling
  • Speed: 10 gigabits per second
• 1000BASE-SX:
  • Gigabit Ethernet network
  • Uses fiber optics
  • Speed: 1 gigabit per second

Understanding Ethernet Standard Names

• Names often provide clues about the standard:
  • Speed Indicator: Numbers usually denote speed (e.g., 1000 or 10G).
    • 1000 = 1000 Mbps or 1 Gbps
    • 10G = 10 Gbps
  • Base: Refers to baseband (single frequency used)
  • Media Type Indicator:
    • T: Twisted pair copper
    • F: Fiber optics (possible)
  • Additional letters may specify features or media types (e.g., SX for short wavelength fiber optics)

Conclusion

• IEEE provides naming conventions that are often descriptive but not required to fully align with the standard's details.
• Complete understanding of a standard's details requires reading the full specification, beyond just the name.