Ethernet and Networking Standards

Introduction to Ethernet

• Ethernet is widely used for networking, especially in wired networks.
• It allows connectivity between almost any device and an Ethernet network.

Types of Ethernet

• Variations: Ethernet types differ in speed, cabling, connectors, and necessary equipment.
• Cabling: Includes twisted pair copper and fiber optics.

Ethernet Standards

• Authority: IEEE 802.3 committee sets Ethernet standards.
  • IEEE: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.
• Purpose: Ensures universal connectivity by establishing uniform standards.

Common Ethernet Standards

• 1,000Base-T
  • Gigabit Ethernet over twisted pair copper.
  • Speed: 1 Gbit/s.
• 10GBase-T
  • 10 Gigabit Ethernet over twisted pair copper.
  • Speed: 10 Gbit/s.
• 1,000Base-SX
  • Gigabit Ethernet using fiber optics.
  • Speed: 1 Gbit/s.

Understanding Ethernet Standard Naming

• Speed Indication: The number in the standard name often indicates speed (e.g., 1,000Base-T = 1,000 Mbps or 1 Gbit/s).
• Baseband Indicator: 'Base' refers to baseband signaling (single frequency).
• Media Type:
  • 'T' suggests twisted pair copper.
  • 'F' often indicates fiber optics.
  • Additional suffixes like 'SX' can specify characteristics like short wavelength in fiber optics.

Miscellaneous

• Naming Conventions: Though IEEE tries to make names indicative, not all details are in the name.
• Standard Details: Complete understanding requires reading the full standard documentation, beyond just the name.