Ethernet

Ethernet is the most widely used standard for wired networks and is defined in the IEEE 802.3 series of specifications. Data is transmitted in frames that are delivered on the basis of MAC addresses. Transmission media include twisted pair cabling from category 5e to category 8, as well as fibre optics for longer distances and higher data rates. Common speed grades range from Fast Ethernet at 100 Mbit/s and Gigabit Ethernet up to 10, 25, 40 and 100 Gbit/s and beyond in data centre environments. Traffic is forwarded by switches, which prevent collisions and enable full duplex operation. Additional functions include VLANs, link aggregation, quality of service and Power over Ethernet for supplying power to end devices. Ethernet therefore forms the basis of virtually every enterprise and data centre network.